Following an investigation by Thames Valley Police, a man has been sentenced to prison after he was convicted of possessing a knife blade in a public place.
Scott Zubiena, aged 27, of Oakwood Drive in Bletchley, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a knife blade/sharply pointed article in a public place following a hearing at Milton Keynes Magistrates’ Court last Monday (5/12).
On Saturday 3 December, Zubiena, who was wanted in connection with unrelated offences, was pursued on foot by officers in South Tenth Street in Milton Keynes.
During the pursuit, Zubiena disposed of a bag, which contained a bladed article.
He was arrested and charged with the offence and was subsequently sentenced to six months’ imprisonment.
Investigating officer PC Stephanie Musgrave, based at Milton Keynes police station, said: “Zubiena was spotted by an off duty officer and was wanted in connection with an unrelated investigation.
“He made off from officers and discarded a bag which contained a bladed weapon.
“As a result of Operation Deter, Zubiena was held in custody and charged within 24 hours of the offence, and has received a custodial sentence as a result of his decision to carry a knife."
Operation Deter’s main objective is to make 'better use of charging and remanding offenders aged over 18 to court', ensuring that a robust message is sent to anyone found in possession of a knife.
“Op Deter will continue to adopt a zero tolerance approach to those who choose to carry knives in our communities and will seek swift charge and remand decisions and put offenders before the court.
“Zubiena will now be spending Christmas behind bars as a result of his decision, and I hope that this outcome will send out a strong message to others who feel it is acceptable to carry knives.
“It is not, in any circumstances, and if you are caught in possession, you are highly likely to be charged and may end up with a prison sentence as a result.”
READ MORE: Police launch zero-tolerance knife crime operation in Milton Keynes
