Pitiful fines won't halt knife crime

12.00.00am GMT Wed 19th Nov 2008

Adults caught with a knife have been fined as little as £20, with fines for children as low as £5, according to research by the Liberal Democrats.

The information, contained in a Parliamentary answer, also shows that:

· In 2004, an adult received a fine of just £1 for possession of a knife

· The average fine given to adults was £153; £123 to 16 to 18 year olds and £57 to under-16s

· Some adults were given fines as low as £20; £10 for 16 to 18 year olds and just £5 for under-16s

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Shadow Home Secretary, Chris Huhne said:

"The Government claims to be tough on knife crime while at the same time dishing out penalties to knife carriers of less than twenty quid.

"Judges must have discretion, but these penalties are ridiculously lenient when you can get up to four years in jail for possessing a knife.

"If we are to tackle knife crime, a strong message must be sent to those who carry knives. These pitiful fines do not do that.

"Ministerial posturing on penalties is pointless if people feel they can carry knives and get away with a slap on the wrist.

"The best way to tackle knife crime is to ensure that more people carrying knives are caught through intelligence led stop and search, hot-spot policing and firm but fair penalties."