MAN FOUND IN POSSESSION OF GERBER KNIFE AND DRUGS TO LEARN FATE AT THE CROWN COURT

An Isle of Wight man who was found with a knife and cannabis when stopped by Police in a known drug-dealing location in Lake, is to be sentenced at the Isle of Wight Crown Court next month. Christopher Gilbert, 34, of Wharf Road in Stanford le-Hope – but previously of Sandown Road, Lake – appeared before the Isle of Wight Magistrates Court earlier today (Friday) charged with possession of a controlled drug of Class B, possession of an offensive weapon and obstructing an authorised person in the execution of their duty. Prosecutor Lauren Stone told the court that on 31st January last year, plain-clothed Police officers were conducting a foot patrol along Cliff Path in Lake, an area known for drug supply, as part of Operation Spider. Having received information that certain individuals had been known to sell drugs to underage children, officers asked Gilbert and another male if they could search them. Gilbert stood up, saying ‘I don’t think so’ before attempting to walk between the officers, kicking them in the process. Subsequently, he was warned that PAVA spray would be used. A search was conducted and cannabis and a bladed article – namely a gerber knife – were found in Gilbert’s possession. In Police interview, Gilbert admitted that the cannabis was for his personal use and not for distribution. Police went on to search Gilbert’s home address. Defending Gilbert, Oscar Vincent said that the knife found was buried at the bottom of a rucksack and that it wasn’t in there to be used as a way to intimidate. It was in September 2022 that the 34-year-old was handed a 17-month prison sentence, suspended for 24 months. By committing this latest offence he is in breach of this suspended sentence order. Magistrates have, as a result, sent the case up to the Isle of Wight Crown Court where Gilbert will appear on 8th March 2024.