Man caught with knife on Milton Keynes estate given 15-day community order

James Eldridge, who lives on Polruan Place, Fishermead, pleaded guilty to possessing a knife on Fishermead Boulevard on December 18.

Magistrates can impose a community order if the offences is not deemed serious enough to warrant a prison sentence. It involves the offender doing unpaid work in the community, such as removing graffiti of clearing litter.

Mr Eldridge was ordered to comply with the instructions of the responsible community officer and participate in any rehabilitation activity as required by them 'up to a maximum of 15 days'.

The order was in lieu of a fine, but he was ordered to pay £85 costs to the Crown Prosecution Service and a £95 surcharge to help fund victim services.

A collection order was made and the court is to apply for deductions from his benefits.

The knife has been forfeited and destroyed.