Swift justice for man convicted for knife possession in Slough - Op Deter

Thames Valley Police’s Operation Deter has secured a conviction of a man who was in a public place with a knife in Slough.

Sushil Pal, aged 31, of Henry Road in Slough, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a bladed article in a public place in a hearing at Reading Magistrates’ Court on 7 February.

He was remanded in custody to be sentenced at the same court on 28 February.

At around 10.30am on Monday 6 February, police received a report of a man walking around on Montem Lane in possession of a weapon.

Officers located Pal nearby in Bath Road, where he was subjected to a stop and search.

A knife with an eight inch blade was located and Pal was arrested.

He was charged with the offence the same day and was held in police custody before his court appearance on 7 February.

Investigating officer Sergeant Nick Macchia, based at Slough police station, said: “This case demonstrates Thames Valley Police’s commitment to tackling knife crime through Operation Deter.

“We responded to the report of a man carrying a knife immediately and arrested Pal and had in before the court within 24 hours.

“He has now been sentenced accordingly for his offending and a dangerous weapon has also been removed from the streets.

“Operation Deter is a robust, zero-tolerance approach to tackling knife crime, and my message to anybody who feels it is acceptable to carrying a knife is simple.

“It is not, in any circumstances, and if you are found in possession, you are very likely to be arrested, charged and remanded to court and face the consequences of your actions.

“This case also demonstrates how important stop and search is to everyday policing.

“We are committed to protecting our communities and we will strive every day to keep public safe.”