Leicester Dad Gets Suspended Sentence for Carrying Lock Knife

A young dad, Ali Hussein, almost went to jail. He had a knife while driving in Braunstone and pleaded guilty, facing six months in jail, which was made worse by his past record.

However, the court suspended his sentence for a year, meaning Hussein won’t go to jail if he stays out of trouble during this period. This took place at Leicester Magistrates’ Court.

The prosecutor, Ravinder Daroch, told the court about the incident where police saw Hussein in a black Golf they knew belonged to him. They noticed him touching something near his hip, leading officers to search Hussein and subsequently find and seize the knife.

During the search, officers also found two pills, but a drug charge was dropped; the prosecution did not explain why. The charge involved MDMA, a Class A drug.

Ahmed Khan, who represented Hussein, stated that Hussein lives with his mother in Braunstone and admitted guilt quickly. Khan also mentioned that Hussein has a two-year-old daughter and is her caregiver.

The court chairman, Carolyn Clifton, addressed Hussein, emphasizing the danger of knife crime and the seriousness of his crime. Clifton said that six months was a starting point for the sentencing, which was justified by Hussein’s past record.

Clifton ultimately decided to suspend the sentence for a year, reasoning that Hussein didn’t threaten anyone with the knife and sending him to jail wasn’t in anyone’s best interest. As a young father, jailtime would harm his relationship with his daughter.

Clifton expressed her hope that he learns from this, emphasizing that carrying a knife isn’t worth the risk and that he could face jail time if he re-offends. She urged him not to carry knives, regardless of the reason.

In addition to the suspended sentence, Hussein must pay £85 in court costs and a £154 victim surcharge as a reminder of this lesson.