Man jailed for possessing knife in Swindon

A man has been sentenced to six months imprisonment for possession of a machete in Swindon.

Devonte O’Brien, 18, of Hanbury Road, Park South, Swindon, will face the next few months behind bars.

On March 7 this year, officers witnessed O’Brien throw a machete over a garden fence.

He was subsequently arrested, charged and remanded in custody, and was sentenced at a hearing at Swindon Magistrates’ Court yesterday (22/05) after pleading guilty to the offence.

He is also required to pay a victim surcharge of £154.

Swindon neighbourhood sergeant Winter said: “I’m pleased that the courts have imposed a custodial sentence for carrying a knife as the impact of doing so can have such life-changing consequences.

“We are determined to ensure that it’s considered unacceptable for anybody to carry bladed weapons in Swindon or anywhere else in the county.

“I’d urge anybody who carries a knife in Wiltshire to please consider otherwise. We are currently in the middle of Op Sceptre, part of which involves knife surrender bins being placed in towns around the county.

“Please start making safer choices in life and hand in any knives you are carrying.”

For a full list of knife surrender bin locations, visit Op Sceptre Surrender Bins May 2023 | Wiltshire Police.