Man found with blade banned from Canterbury city centre

A man arrested after he was stopped with a blade in Canterbury has been banned from entering the city centre.

Steven McGinty was stopped and searched by officers from the Community Safety Unit after he was seen acting suspiciously in Ivy Lane on 28 November 2023.

A metal blade attached to a ring was found on him and he was arrested and later charged with possession of a bladed article.

The 37-year-old admitted the charge before magistrates and, on Tuesday 21 May 2024, was given a six-month sentence, suspended for a year.

Criminal Behaviour Order

Following an application by Kent Police, Thanet Magistrates' Court also imposed a two-year Criminal Behaviour Order prohibiting McGinty from entering an area which corresponds with the city walls.

If he breaches the order he can be brought back before the court and sentenced again, potentially to a prison term.

Inspector Paul Stoner, of Canterbury Community Safety Unit, said: 'Kent Police is determined to take action against those who cause problems in our city and town centres.

'Criminal Behaviour Orders like that imposed on McGinty are one of many tools open to us to protect the public and businesses from offenders and those behind anti-social behaviour.'