A young man will not go to jail after he was caught carrying a kitchen knife in Watford town centre.

Tafari Charles had been in High Street when he was found with the blade on April 29.

St Albans Magistrates’ Court heard Charles had been carrying it without good reason or lawful authority.

As well as being in possession of the bladed article, the 24-year-old was also caught with a quantity of cannabis.

Charles, of Wilmington Close, Watford, pleaded guilty to having an article which had a blade or was sharply pointed in a public place as well as being in possession of cannabis.

For carrying the knife, Charles was sentenced to 21 weeks in prison suspended for 24 months.

He must also complete multiple rehabilitation activity requirement days and carry out 180 hours of unpaid work for the next 12 months.

He must also pay a £128 victim surcharge and £85 in costs.

No separate penalty was made for being in possession of cannabis, although the drugs will be forfeited and destroyed.

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