Carrying Knives in the UK/Europe
Discussion
Hi - So I am planning a long road trip (france, switzerland and italy) and want to take a lock knife with a 3" blade as part of the tool kit. I have used it many times to remove bail twine from wheels, cut hoses and other crude break fix repair jobs and it will likely come in handy in the event I need to repair anything on the motorbike.
I wont be running around with it in my pocket and it will be tucked away in the pannier within the tool roll.
Am I likely to get in trouble if some eager police officer searches my bike and finds it? Even though I have a good reason? Or should i go out and buy a stanley knife?
I leave tomorrow so trying to sort ASAP.
Thanks!
I wont be running around with it in my pocket and it will be tucked away in the pannier within the tool roll.
Am I likely to get in trouble if some eager police officer searches my bike and finds it? Even though I have a good reason? Or should i go out and buy a stanley knife?
I leave tomorrow so trying to sort ASAP.
Thanks!
anothernameitist said:
^So I went to Screwfix last night and got a Stanley knife and carried it across the car park have I therefore committed a crime?
This is what I mean the rules are so convoluted. I understand why they are in place to stop people stabbing each other. But a locking knife that slightly exceeds the 3" rule tucked away in a tool roll in a locked pannier is not going to be used in the heat of the moment piece of road rage. I know most coppers would understand and let me get on my way, but I don't want to end up getting a dressing down by a copper having a bad day.
randlemarcus said:
http://edcforums.com/threads/knife-laws-throughout...
Leatherman, in its little case, in a tool roll, you would have to be seriously unlucky to get nicked for. Increase your luck by being smily and respectful to the foreign gents with guns who have just nicked you for speeding.
Sadly no chance of speeding i'm on my slug tourer bike!Leatherman, in its little case, in a tool roll, you would have to be seriously unlucky to get nicked for. Increase your luck by being smily and respectful to the foreign gents with guns who have just nicked you for speeding.
anothernameitist said:
^So I went to Screwfix last night and got a Stanley knife and carried it across the car park have I therefore committed a crime?
No, you had "good reason" to be carrying it. Bladed article defences said:
The defendant is entitled to be acquitted if he shows on the balance of probabilities that:
he had "good reason or lawful authority" for having the bladed or pointed article; or
he had the article for use at work; or
he had the article for religious reasons; or
he had the article as part of a national costume; (Archbold 24-125).
The defendant does not discharge the burden of showing "good reason" just by providing an explanation that is not contradicted by the prosecution evidence: (Archbold 24-128). Where details of a defence are given in interview or in a defence statement, the CPS should consider whether evidence is available to rebut the defence and should liaise with police if additional enquiries or evidence are necessary. Any defence should be tested by robust cross examination.
he had "good reason or lawful authority" for having the bladed or pointed article; or
he had the article for use at work; or
he had the article for religious reasons; or
he had the article as part of a national costume; (Archbold 24-125).
The defendant does not discharge the burden of showing "good reason" just by providing an explanation that is not contradicted by the prosecution evidence: (Archbold 24-128). Where details of a defence are given in interview or in a defence statement, the CPS should consider whether evidence is available to rebut the defence and should liaise with police if additional enquiries or evidence are necessary. Any defence should be tested by robust cross examination.
Gassing Station | Speed, Plod & the Law | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff