Young man caught carrying zombie knife avoids immediate jail term

James Doherty was found to be carrying the deadly weapon on Pleck Road, Walsall, on August 15, as well as a quantity of cannabis.

The 21-year-old indicated guilty please to possessing a knife in a public place and possession of class B when he appeared at Dudley Magistrates Court on Monday.

Doherty, of Vicarage Road West, Woodsetton, was given a four-month prison term suspended for a year.

The court noted: "Imprisonment reasons: the offence(s) are so serious that only a custodial sentence can be justified, The reasons for this: passes custody threshold however real prospect of rehabilitation as prepared to engage with the probation services."

He was also given a 12-month mental health treatment order and a three-month drug rehabilitation, along with 20 rehabilitation activity days.

Forfeiture and destruction orders were issued for both the knife and the drugs, while the court also imposed a £154 victim surcharge and £185 costs.