Anyone found in possession of an offensive weapon in a public setting without a reasonable excuse or lawful authority is liable to six months imprisonment or a fine of $1 000.
That was the reminder from Inspector Stephen Griffith, Crime Prevention Officer in the Barbados Police Service, via an audio statement yesterday.
He said they have been seeing more young people carrying flick and ratchet knives and when they queried why, were told they were protecting themselves. Griffith said he wanted people to be aware of the law.
“Any person who, without lawful authority or reasonable excuse, the proof of which lies on him, has in his possession or under his control in a public place any offensive weapon is guilty of an offence and is liable on summary conviction to imprisonment for six months or a fine of $1 000 or on conviction on indictment imprisonment for two years or a fine of $2 500.”
Griffith added that anyone who sells or offers to sell such weapons in a public place is also guilty of an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for six months or a fine of $1 000. If found guilty on conviction, on indictment they can be sentenced to imprisonment for two years or a fine of $2 500.
The Control of Weapons Act Chapter 124 A states that offensive weapons include flick knives, ratchet knives, switchblades and any article made or adapted for use to cause injury to a person or intended by the person having possession or control thereof of such use. (JC)