Man jailed for hiding knife in sock in Barnstaple

Callum Booth sentenced to 40 weeks

A man has been jailed for 40 weeks after being caught with a kitchen knife concealed in his sock in Barnstaple Town Centre.

Callum Booth, 23, of no fixed abode, Barnstaple, appeared at Exeter Magistrates’ Court earlier this week to be sentenced after pleading guilty to possessing a knife or bladed article in a public place.

The court heard how on Sunday 26 April officers were called to a car park in Barnstaple following a report of two males acting suspiciously. 

The suspects were located in The Pannier Market a short time later.

During a search Booth made threats to kill an officer and a kitchen knife was found tucked into his left sock under his jeans.

Mr Booth continued to be abusive and tried to kick out after his arrest. Both suspects were arrested, charged and brought before the court the following day.

At the time of his arrest Booth was on court bail for an earlier charge of carrying a knife in a public place. His 40 week sentence reflected both offences.

The 17-year-old male with Booth at the time has also entered a guilty plea to carrying a knife and was bailed pending sentence, with conditions which prevent him from entering Devon. 

Sector Inspector Andy Wills said: “Carrying a knife in a public place is an extremely serious offence.

“People who leave their house armed with a knife risk not only causing serious harm but also death.

“Such behaviour will not be tolerated in our community.”

If you have any information about knives, or someone carrying a knife, please contact us. Your information could help stop a split-second decision that could changes lives forever.