Store owner convicted over knife sale

A retailer who sold a knife to an underage customer has been ordered to do 40 hours of unpaid community service by Rochdale magistrates.

Shujat Ali, of Super Pound, Argyle Parade, Heywood, was found guilty in his absence following an operation by Rochdale Council's Public Protection Service.

The court heard that Mr Ali, the owner of the shop, sold the knife to a volunteer working on behalf of the council. Mr Ali was charged under the Criminal Justice Act 1988 which makes it an offence to sell a knife to anyone under 18.  The case against him was brought by the council’s Legal Service.

Mr Ali attended a subsequent court hearing where, in addition to the community service to be carried out within six months, he was ordered to pay £500 costs.

Councillor Martin Burke, Cabinet Member for Internal and Environmental Services, said “This case once again underlines our determination to prevent knives and other weapons being sold to people under the age of 18.

“The small minority of retailers in the borough who break the law should be aware that we intend to make them face the consequences of their actions.”