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Gloucestershire Business News

Man in possession of a knuckleduster convicted

A 20-year-old man from Gloucestershire found in possession of a knuckleduster in his mum's car was described as taking illegal drugs on an 'industrial' basis, a court heard.

Caine Grange, of Woodcock Lane, Stonehouse was searched by police on July 21 last year and the offensive weapon, described by the judge as like a 'meat tenderiser', was found in his pocket.

It was the second time Grange had been convicted of possessing a weapon in public, prosecutor, Chris Smyth, told Judge Michael Cullum at Gloucester crown court. He also had an offence of carrying a knife on his record.

This meant that Grange was subject to a mandatory minimum jail term unless there were exceptional circumstances.

Defence lawyer, Jason Coulter, argued that his client had mental health problems, but accepted they were 'exacerbated' by his 'industrial drug use'.

Hearing that Grange also committed this latest offence in breach of a suspended jail term, the judge imposed a prison sentence.

"I would be failing in my duty if I did not impose an immediate custodial sentence," Judge Cullum told Grange as he imposed 234 days detention in a young offenders institute.

The court heard that in July last, the police stopped Grange's mother's car as they wanted to talk to him about 'unrelated matters that did not go anywhere'.

When officers searched Grange they found the knuckleduster in his pocket.

"He was in an agitated state," Mr Smyth said. "That continued during course of interview with the police."

The prosecutor described Grange as 'erratic' and 'under the influence of drugs'.

The court heard Grange had a £300 a week drug habit.

When Grange was shown the knuckle duster, he said he had never seen it before, but agreed it was in his possession.

"He was intoxicated," Mr Smyth said. "He had no idea where he got it from."

Grange committed the offence whilst subject to a seven month jail term suspended for eighteen months for affray, possessing a bladed article and criminal damage.

Mr Smyth said 'in July 2017 after a drink and drug binge Grange took a large kitchen knife from his house, secreted it in his trousers'.

He then made threats to an individual and on his arrest threatened to kill the police officer and his family.

As part of that sentence Grange had been ordered to engage in rehabilitation sessions with probation, but had not completed them, Mr Coulter said.

"His difficulties prevented him from one to one or group therapy in some way," the barrister said.

"His problems are hugely exacerbated by his drug use.

"As a consequence he behaves in a way that is disgraceful, unlawful and frightening which brings him before these courts."

Mr Coulter said that Grange had gained employment before Christmas, and his drug use was 'diminishing' but a 'scootering accident' on New Year's Eve had left his client with a broken wrist.

Grange had fallen off a 'child's toy' and was now facing an operation, Mr Coulter said.

"Despite his eagerness to go back to work, he cannot go back until the fracture is fully fixed or stabilised.

"He has a job he can go back to, when he can," the barrister said.

"His mother has a genuine concern about his vulnerabilities in the custodial environment.

"The prospect of suicidal tendencies would be far greater in custody.

"He is worried and terrified.

"All I can ask is that in the rather special circumstances this young man finds himself in, is to give him one last chance," Mr Coulter urged. "It is a plea of mercy more than anything else."

Imposing the jail term, the judge told Grange: "In July last year you were in possession of a knuckle duster.

"An evil weapon only designed to inflict injury on people. It would cause significant damage

"It has a reinforced plate, similar to a meat tenderiser," the judge noted.

"I am asked to give you one last chance. To take into account your mental health issues.

"I have seen medical reports.

"What makes clear reading is that as of November you were still spending £300 on Class A drugs and Class B drugs.

"That really is the root of all your problems. You have exacerbated your issues by taking drugs on an industrial scale.

"Since working before Christmas you have reduced the drug taking, you have the unfettered support of your mother.

"However in these circumstances I would be failing in my duty if I did not impose an immediate custodial sentence."

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