AN EIGHT-INCH carving knife fell out of a man’s waistband after police tackled him to the ground at Reading station.

Lemarr Stevens, of Common Road, Slough, will spend up to 32 weeks in a youth detention centre after being caught with the blade.

The 19-year-old was at Reading Station on June 2021 when British Transport Police officers approached Stevens as he seemed “agitated”.

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Officers followed him and asked him to show them his ticket, to which Stevens told them he had purchased the wrong ticket and he would purchase another one.

According to prosecutor Victoria Lovett, police said he smelt like cannabis.

He walked away from police who then restrained him on the floor.

As he was wrestled to the ground, an eight-inch carving knife fell to the floor from Stevens’ waistband.

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The 19-year-old told officers he was carrying the knife for protection.

Ms Lovett said Stevens had a previous conviction for possession of a samurai sword from December 2019, and that this offence was committed while he was on police bail.

Defending, Gerard Pitt read out a letter from Mr Stevens, who was watching his sentencing from prison.

He said: “This is the first time I have been in jail and I hope for a second chance.

“I want to live a full life and provide for my child and prove people wrong who have been negative all my life.

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“If you give me a chance I promise I will not let you down.”

Sentencing, Her Honour Judge Real said she took account of his young age and the pressures he had faced in his life so far.

She said: “I’m also impressed by your letter in which you have expressed regret.

“You have demonstrated insight into your situation which gives this court some hope you will choose a better path once you are released from your sentence."

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Judge Real sentenced Stevens to 32 weeks in a young offenders institute after he admitted to possession of a bladed article.

He will serve at least half of this before being eligible for release on licence.

Stevens appeared at Reading Crown Court on Monday, August 16.