A man who said he bought a survival bracelet for camping holidays has narrowly avoided jail after the accessory fell foul of knife crime laws. Richard Sanders was caught with the outlawed wrist-worn multi-tool after police officers on patrol in South London pulled him up for a separate offence on Boxing Day in 2021.
The 55-year-old recovering alcoholic, from Brixton, was spotted throwing a traffic sign across the road, then allegedly discarded another folding blade – which was not illegal – before his arrest for an unrelated matter at around 9:40pm on December 26 2021, Inner London Crown Court heard on Tuesday (April 2).
Sanders, a former forklift operator, was taken to Brixton Police Station where a search uncovered the survival bracelet. Under questioning, Sanders told police he bought the bracelet online to use for camping trips and then made no comment, prosecutor Sue Obeney told the court.
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While a photo of the bracelet was not shown in court, MyLondon understands the bushcraft tool included a hidden 2cm fixed blade, mini compass, flint (used for fire lighting), and strap made from paracord (a lightweight nylon rope used by the military). Similar items can be found on internet bushcraft retailers from between £5 to £30.
Sanders initially pleaded not guilty, but on the day of his trial on February 14, two years after the offence, he accepted having the blade in public was illegal. The late plea change apparently came after some discussion with the judge about the legal advice he was given in custody, the court heard.
‘The primary purpose is for survival’
While defence counsel Tetevi Davi accepted there was ‘no dispute’ about the item’s illegality, he emphasised the blade was part of a survival bracelet – not the sort of weapon commonly used in brutal knife attacks around London. “The primary purpose is for survival, but Mr Sanders accepts he should not have had it in public,” said Mr Davi.
The barrister also acknowledged his client’s record, with five weapons related offences from 1985 to 2020, but argued there had been a long enough gap in his offending to suspend the sentence. “Plainly this is a serious case, Mr Sanders does not get away from that,” added Mr Davi.
UK knife law allows you to carry non-locking pocket knives with blades of up to three inches without a valid reason however Sanders’ knife was a locking knife, meaning it can be locked in place making it more dangerous as an offensive weapon. If you carry a locking knife or a non-locking knife which exceeds the maximum length you will need a ‘good reason’ which is accepted by the court. A good reason could include taking a knife to work, to a museum for an exhibition, or to a re-enactment.
‘Out of trouble for a long time’
Judge Freya Newbery accepted the bracelet can be used for camping, but reminded Sanders it was still illegal to wear in public. Instead of labouring the point, she focussed on Sanders’ efforts to beat alcoholism and concluded, despite the statutory six month minimum that was engaged by his previous convictions, an immediate prison sentence would be unjustified.
The Sentencing Council says there should be a minimum term of six months in prison for second or further relevant bladed article offences, unless there are particular circumstances relating to the offence or the offender which make it unjust.
“He’s been out of trouble for a long time, he’s turned his life around, he’s got accommodation, and he’s taking rehab for alcohol abuse seriously,” Judge Newbery said.
In the end, Sanders narrowly avoided a stint in prison, as Judge Newbery gave him 23 weeks suspended for nine months, 25 days of rehabilitation activity requirement, and a £128 victim surcharge.
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