£1,000 bill for shop owner that sold knives to teenager

Published by Max Salsbury for 24dash.com in Communities and also in Legal

A London shop owner has been billed £1,000 for selling a set of steak knives to a 15-year-old girl.

Mr Meer Aziz Islam made the sale at Star Pound Plus on Seven Sisters Road in February during an Islington Council sting operation.

Mr Islam pleaded guilty to supplying the knives at Highbury Magistrates' Court. He was fined £650 with £350 costs.

It is an offence under the Criminal Justice Act 1988 to supply knives to under-18s.

Mr Islam committed a similar offence in 2009 and was warned he could face a custodial sentence if convicted a third time.

In mitigation, the court took into account his early guilty plea and co-operation.

Cllr Paul Convery, Islington Council's executive member for community safety, said: "We're on the side of residents and committed to tackling crime and anti-social behaviour.

"Knives in the wrong hands can destroy lives, and we will take action against shops that break the law and sell knives to under-18s.

"I'd urge all shops to ask for identification and get in contact with us if they want any advice or help with avoiding underage sales."