A man threatened to shut down a charity, wielding a knife while accusing someone of being a paedophile.
Forshaw entered a building in Wolverhampton and announced, “I have a knife.” He claimed he would not hurt anyone with it. This happened on January 22 at an addiction charity in Whitmore Reans.
Forshaw said he had to fight for his life recently. Then, he threatened to shut down the building while holding a three to four inch lock knife. Police came and arrested Forshaw, seizing the knife.
The court learned Forshaw has many prior convictions, with 13 convictions for 28 offences. These include violence and weapons charges, as well as past crimes like robbery and affray. He also had an imitation firearm before.
His lawyer argued he was unwell at the time, having missed a medication appointment, which may have contributed to the incident. She also claimed he made no threats and posed no danger to anyone.
Forshaw found his time in jail stressful and worried about losing his housing. The judge said his crime was less serious, noting Forshaw showed the knife but did not use it. He also cooperated with the police.
The court faced a problem because it was Forshaw’s second knife offense, triggering a parliamentary requirement for a minimum six-month sentence. This can be waived in special cases, but the judge found no exceptional circumstances here.
The judge suspended Forshaw’s sentence. Forshaw admitted possessing a knife in public. The court gave him a suspended six-month sentence and 20 days of rehabilitation, which took place on February 20.