SOFT JUSTICE: Man caught with zombie knife in car in Grays avoids jail

VICIOUS: Anderson was found with a black and red zombie knife (file image)

A MAN who had a zombie knife hidden in his car has avoided a prison sentence.

Daniel Anderson, 38, admitted at Basildon Magistrates Court one charge of unlawfully possessing the black and red blade in Cole Avenue, Grays, Essex, on October 14.

Anderson, from Arisdale Avenue, South Ockendon, also admitted being in possession of cannabis at the same time.

The court said the offensive weapon offence was so serious he should face a custodial sentence.

However, he was sentenced to four months in prison, but it was suspended for 12 months, because the weapon was in a sheath in his glove box.

Anderson must carry out 240 hours of unpaid work, pay a £115 victim surcharge and £85 court costs.

SENTENCE: Anderson avoided jail at Basildon Magistrates' Court

The knife and drugs will be destroyed.

Courts are supposed to be getting tough on those carrying knives after a rise in violent crime with 250 knife murders across the country this year.

New sentencing guidance in June said anyone caught with a knife should face six months in jail.

However, it emerged last month that in many cases people were being let off with cautions.

Last year nearly 2,000 of the around 10,000 people found illegally carrying a knife across the country were given cautions instead of being taken to court.