A motorist caught with knives in his car twice in five months, in two different areas of Cumbria, has been spared prison and ordered to wear an alcohol abstinence tag.
Police were called to the area of Mid Street in Whitehaven on the night of October 5 last year amid reports of an ongoing domestic disturbance and shouts of “I’m going to kill you” and “count to three”.
A short time later, 41-year-old Jason Wright was located in the driver’s side of a vehicle. One window was smashed and there was glass all over the floor.
His speech was slurred, his eyes were glazed and in his possession were prescription drugs and needles.
A Stanley knife was found on the passenger seat and a kitchen knife in the boot. Wright later refused to provide samples of saliva and blood when requested.
He was released under investigation. But on March 1, Wright again found himself in hot water, this time in the Denton Holme area of Carlisle.
In the same car, he appeared nervous and fidgety. Two kitchen knives were located in the boot of his vehicle.
He later admitted illegal possession of the four blades, and failing to provide a sample.
Wright’s barrister, Anthony Parkinson, told Carlisle Crown Court there had been no brandishing of — nor threatening with — the blades on either occasion. It had been seven years since the defendant was last before a court and he was making determined efforts to put things right.
After hearing all submissions, Judge Simon Medland QC opted to give Wright, of St James’ Court, Whitehaven, one chance.
A 12-month jail term was suspended for two years. He must also complete two rehabilitation requirements — one addressing drugs misuse — and wear an alcohol monitoring device for 120 days.
“It is like a tag,” the judge told Wright. “If you drink, it picks up the fact you have drunk and you get reported for it.”
Judge Medland branded those getting behind the wheel of vehicles while under the influence of drink or drugs a positive menace to society, and said of the sentencing requirements for Wright:
“These are there for you to help you to help yourself.”
