The Knives Act 1997 prohibits bladed weapons from being sold in a way that suggests they are suitable for combat.
- author, David Spearl
- role, BBC news
The owner of a Leeds store and four of his staff have been charged with offenses related to the sale of knives.
Hassan Abbas, 43, is due to appear at Leeds Magistrates' Court on February 21.
The incident followed a police raid on the Fantasia store in the city centre, which officers said was selling weapons.
Staff members Dean Lodge, Conor Baxter, Daniel Corscadden and Amy Ponting have also been charged and are expected to appear in court on the same day.
West Yorkshire Police said the shop was raided in December 2021 under a warrant granted under the Knives Act 1997.
The law prohibits knives and cutlery from being sold in a manner that suggests they are suitable for combat or that could encourage acts of violence.
Officers said the operation was part of a bid to tackle knife crime involving young people in Leeds.
image source, Kelvin Jay/Getty Images
Four men and one woman are due to appear at Leeds Magistrates' Court on February 21.
Mr Abbas, of Congreve Way, Bardsey, was charged with five charges of selling a knife as being fit for combat and eight charges of publishing material indicating that a knife was fit for combat, subject to section 141. He was charged with two counts of personal possession of a weapon. The Criminal Justice Act 1988 applied.
Mr Lodge, 55, of Cottingley Drive, Leeds, Mr Baxter, 28, of Leasoe Road, Leeds, and Mr Corscadden, 29, of Doncaster Road, Wakefield, each have five charges. was indicted on marketing charges. A knife suitable for combat.
They were also each charged with eight counts of publishing material showing that a knife was suitable for combat, and one count of publishing a weapon for sale under section 141 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988. ing.
Mr. Lodge is also charged with possession of an electrical disabling device.
Ms Ponting, 40, of Bottle Kiln Rise, Wakefield, was charged with five counts of selling a knife as being fit for combat and for selling a weapon under section 141 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988. He has been charged with one count of exposing himself.
