Bootle man sentenced after brandishing offensive weapon

A 59-year-old man from Bootle has been convicted of possession of an offensive weapon.

Philip Briscoe, aged 59, of Park Street, Bootle, appeared at Wirral Magistrates Court on Wednesday 14 June, where he pleaded guilty to possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.

On Wednesday 17 May, Briscoe was arrested by officers on Stanley Road, Bootle, after reports that a man was brandishing an axe. No one was injured during the incident.

He was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, 20 days of Rehabilitation Activity Requirement and issued a Serious Violence Reduction Order (SVRO) with a duration of 12 months.

The force was the first of four pilot forces to secure an SVRO last week (Wednesday 7 June). Courts can grant an SVRO when an adult aged 18 or over is convicted of an offence involving a bladed article or offensive weapon.

The change in legislation means officers now have the automatic right to search individuals for bladed articles, or offensive weapons in a public place.

This targeted use of stop and search aims to tackle high-risk offenders, known weapons carriers and help drive down reoffending to keep communities safe.

If you have information about someone carrying a knife, or know someone involved in crime, get in touch on social media @MerPolCC, call 101 or contact @CrimestoppersUK anonymously on 0800 555 111.