Cutting edge of crime
From Ian Bennett
Sir: Nicky Samengo-Turner ('New Labour's police state', 27 November) is not the only person unexpectedly to find himself in trouble over what he thought was a normal pocket knife.
My 16-year-old grandson received a conviction for possessing a dangerous weapon after the police searched the rucksacks of a group of schoolboys who had been camping over the weekend on Dartmoor. At the bottom of his rucksack was a small folding knife given to him by his other (French) grandparents.
Apparently a crime was committed because the knife had a device by which the blade locked in position to prevent it closing on the hand when in use. I have kept a similar but larger knife in my rucksack for years and found it essential when trekking or walking in the country at home and abroad. Presumably I should now use it only in the house and ascertain what knife would now be both legal and useful. I also assume that I should not take it out of the house and to a police station to inquire whether or not it is legal. No doubt our Boy Scout sheath knives with five-inch blades are now banned.
My grandson now has a police record which has resulted in an insurer refusing hint motor insurance when he bought his first scooter to use to get to college.
Ian Bennett
Lechlade, G louces te rshire
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