UPDATE: A Northumberland woman has pleaded guilty after police discovered a knuckleduster during a drug search at her home. Kerry Parker, 39, claimed the weapon was part of a memory box belonging to her deceased nephew.
On August 26, 2023, officers executed a warrant at Parker’s address in Stakeford under the Misuse of Drugs Act, initially searching for illegal substances. Instead, they uncovered the knuckleduster hidden in a drawer. This discovery comes amid recent legal changes making it illegal to possess such weapons in both private and public spaces.
Urgent Update: Parker’s case highlights a significant shift in weapon laws. The court learned that the knuckleduster, described by prosecutor Paul Anderson as an “offensive weapon,” was solely designed for harm. “It has no other use,” he stated during the proceedings at South East Northumberland Magistrates’ Court.
Parker’s defense attorney, Kyle Patterson, argued that the weapon had sentimental value, as it belonged to her late nephew who had kept it since childhood. “The family had put together a memory box, and she had forgotten it was there,” Patterson explained. The emotional connection to the item played a significant role in her defense.
Despite her plea of guilty, Parker received a six-month conditional discharge, avoiding further penalties. She has maintained a clean record since 2018 and expressed remorse over the incident. Authorities emphasize the importance of understanding the new laws surrounding weapon possession.
This case serves as a reminder of the evolving landscape of weapon legislation and its implications for everyday citizens. The implications of Parker’s case may resonate with those who keep items of sentimental value, urging a reconsideration of what constitutes legal possession.
As this story develops, readers are encouraged to stay informed about similar cases and legal updates in the North East.
