Retailers prosecuted over underage knife sales

Two retailers in the borough of Rochdale have been prosecuted as part of a clampdown on underage sales of knives and other weapons.

Court action has been taken against the retailers, from Heywood and Middleton, who each sold a knife to an underage person.

The first case concerned Poundbargains of Bridge Street, Heywood and saw Abdullah Jan found guilty in his absence. He was fined £500, together with £1,787.24 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

In the second case, concerning Poundbuster of Long Street, Middleton, Zain Uddin Kamal pleaded guilty and was fined £350 with £1,000 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

Both prosecutions were brought under the Criminal Justice Act 1988 which makes it an offence to sell a knife to someone under the age of 18.

Councillor Martin Burke, Cabinet Member for Internal and Environmental Services, said: “We are determined to stamp out the sale of dangerous items such as knives to young people and these prosecutions should send out a message that we will not tolerate such irresponsible behaviour.”

“Company bosses must ensure that their staff are adequately trained in this and other age sale restricted legislation. This will not only prevent them from receiving a hefty fine but also protect young people and the wider public from potential harm.”