A TEENAGER has avoided an immediate prison sentence for having a hunting knife in a busy part of Bournemouth town centre.

Abubacarr Saidy, aged 18, was alleged to have had the offensive weapon and committed an affray in Old Christchurch Road on August 28 last year.

Saidy, whose address was given as Christchurch Road, Bournemouth, pleaded guilty to both offences in March and appeared for sentencing at Poole Magistrates’ Court on May 27.

Court papers stated that the hunting knife had a 9.5 inch blade.

Saidy was committed to prison for 10 months, suspended for two years.

The offences were considered serious because they were committed in a busy public area and members of the public were put at risk, the court heard.

The suspended sentence included a 16-week overnight curfew and a requirement to take part in up to 30 days of rehabilitation activity requirement.

He was ordered to pay a £156 surcharge and £85 costs.

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