Springwell man admits carrying blade after being stopped by police in Pennywell

A Sunderland man has admitted carrying a bladed article in public after being stopped by police in Pennywell.

Officers detained Steven Corkin, 44, on Portchester Road on Saturday, September 6, after reports that someone was carrying a bottle possibly containing ammonia.

Corkin, of Southend Road, Springwell, was searched and officers discovered both a container of liquid – which was deemed harmless – and a Stanley knife blade.

At South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court, prosecutor Warren Ridley said Corkin was arrested and gave “no comment” answers during interview.

The court heard Corkin has previous convictions for possession of weapons, including a bladed article in 2006 and an offensive weapon in 2002.

He pleaded guilty to possessing a bladed article in a public place.

District Judge Zoe Passfield said:

> “You will be given credit for pleading guilty, but with your record of offensive weapons and blades, I’m going to need a report from the Probation Service.”

Corkin was granted unconditional bail ahead of sentencing on Wednesday, November 12.