A MAN has been sentenced and fined after being caught with a blade and machete while fishing in Windsor.

Catalin Varza, aged 42, of Holmedale, Slough, pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of a bladed article in a public place in a hearing at Slough Magistrates’ Court on July 13.

At the same hearing, Varza was sentenced to a three-month custodial sentence, suspended for 12 months.

Varza was also ordered to complete 60 hours of unpaid work, pay £239 in costs and have the knives forfeited and destroyed.

This comes after an incident at around 12pm on June 27, when police received a report of a man in possession of a weapon whilst fishing on Sutherland Grange, Windsor.

A lock knife with a four-inch blade and a machete with an 18-inch blade were located and Varza was arrested.

He was charged with the offence the same day.

Investigating officer PC Gavin Ward, based at Maidenhead police station, said: “This case shows how seriously our Problem Solving Teams take knife crime, and we will continue to convict those who carry dangerous weapons on the streets of our communities.

“Operation Deter, the force’s zero tolerance approach to those who seek to carry knives, has now been rolled out in Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead. Through Operation Deter we will seek swift charge and remand decisions to those who choose to carry knives.

“There are no more second chances and if you are caught in possession, you can expect to feel the full force of the law.

“The key in this case was the information supplied by members of the community, so I ask our residents to continue to be vigilant and report any similar concerns on 999. Or, if you have general concerns please report this online or through 101.”