Fined for carrying homemade weapon

Published on 19th April 2007 in News

A teenager who made a knuckle-duster out of coins and house keys to protect himself has been fined and ordered to hand over his home-made weapon.

Michael Leyland (19), of Jackson Street in Goole, appeared at the town's magistrates' court on Tuesday charged with possessing an offensive weapon.

Heather Levett, for the Crown Prosecution Service, said that Mr Leyland had been arrested on April 2 at 11.30pm in relation to another matter. He was ordered to turn out his pockets at the police station, which was when the knuckle-duster was revealed.

"He said he'd made it himself," said Ms Levett.

It was made from coins and house keys, which projected between the fingers.

"He accepted that it was dangerous and could cause injury. He was not using it at the time."

Stab-threat prompted DIY weapon

Defending himself, Mr Leyland said had had the weapon for his own personal use, and had made it to protect himself after people had rung him and made threats to stab him.

At the time he was arrested, he said, he had forgotten he was carrying it.

Mr Leyland was told by magistrates: "You have to understand you can't go around carrying offensive weapons like that."

He was ordered to pay a £100 fine, which took into account his early guilty plea, £43 in court costs and £15 to the Victims' Compensation Fund.

He was also ordered to forfeit the knuckle-duster