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Case Reference: Possess an offensive weapon in a public place Possess knife blade / sharp pointed article in a public place - Criminal Justice Act 1988 Use threatening / abusive words / behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress Racially / religiously aggravated harassment / alarm / distress by words / writing / behaviour

Case Details

Reference

Possess an offensive weapon in a public place Possess knife blade / sharp pointed article in a public place - Criminal Justice Act 1988 Use threatening / abusive words / behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress Racially / religiously aggravated harassment / alarm / distress by words / writing / behaviour

Court

North Staffordshire Justice Centre - Courtroom 01

Magistrate

Mrs Bell JP , Miss Brooks JP , Mr Cooper JP , Mrs Davies JP , Mr Teece JP

Hearing Date

23 May 2026

Time

Offence Details:

Hearing Type

Court Type

Magistrates

Prosecutor

N/A

Case Details

No details available

Next Steps at this First Hearing / First Appearance

At the first hearing (usually in the Magistrates' Court), the charges are formally read. The defendant is asked to enter a plea. If pleading guilty, sentencing can sometimes happen immediately or be adjourned. If pleading not guilty, the court will make directions to manage the case or transfer it to the Crown Court for trial.

Court Jurisdiction: Magistrates' Court - Magistrates' Courts handle virtually all summary offences (minor offences) and start the proceedings for serious offences. They are presided over by three volunteer Magistrates (advised by a legal advisor) or a single qualified District Judge. They do not have a jury.

General Case Information

This listing represents public court record proceedings for . The legal proceedings will occur at North Staffordshire Justice Centre - Courtroom 01. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Source: HMCTS Public Court Lists.
Disclaimer: The legal definitions and sentencing guidelines above are for general educational purposes under English Law and do not constitute formal legal representation or advice. If you are facing criminal prosecution, consult a qualified criminal defense solicitor immediately.

Case FAQs & Procedure Guide

Yes, it is highly recommended. Legal representation ensures your rights are protected, especially when entering a plea or applying for bail. A duty solicitor is usually available at court for eligible defendants.

Pleading guilty at the earliest opportunity typically entitles you to a sentence reduction (up to one-third off the penalty). The court may sentence you immediately or adjourn to obtain a pre-sentence report.

The case will be adjourned, and a trial date will be set. The court will determine issues such as bail, witness requirements, and evidence submission deadlines.

For a single summary/either-way offence, magistrates can sentence a defendant to a maximum of 6 months in prison (or up to 12 months for multiple either-way offences), alongside unlimited fines and community orders.

Magistrates are trained volunteers from the local community who sit in panels of three. A District Judge is a qualified legal professional who sits alone. Both have the same sentencing powers.

Interested in the outcome of this case? You can request more information by emailing the court directly using the Email Court button at the top of the page.

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