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26
Jun
Farmer sentenced after being caught with pocket knife at Ripon Tractorfest
A farm worker has been sentenced after being caught with a pocket knife at Tractorfest at Newby Hall, between Ripon and Boroughbridge
Alexander Cook appeared before Harrogate Magistrates Court today (June 26) where he spoke to confirm his name, age and enter a plea.
Cook, 30, admitted he was in possession of a knife at the festival at Newby Hall on June 7 this year.
He also pleaded guilty to drink-driving and being in possession of cocaine on the same day.
Mel Ibbotson, prosecuting, told the court a security guard reported a Vauxhall car driving through the exit point at the festival.
Ms Ibbotson said officers were called to Newby Hall after a Vauxhall car was seen “driving at speed”.
She said:
One officer describes being told that he [the defendant] had driven like an idiot and erratically.
Police arrested Cook, of Candler Avenue, West Ayton, and ordered him to undertake a breathalyser test.
The 30-year-old recorded 47mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath — the legal limit is 35.
The court heard that officers arrested Cook, who was later found in possession of cocaine and a pocket knife which had a lock mechanism.
Ms Ibbotson said that during interview the defendant admitted all offences to officers.
‘Did not realise it was illegal’
Ismael Uddin, defending, told the court that Cook had “not thought about what he was doing”.
He added that the defendant used the pocket knife for work and did not realise he had it on him.
Mr Uddin said:
He is an agricultural worker and he works on farms. He is going to lose that job now.
He uses the knife for work and he found that he had it on him.
Andrew Watson, a probation officer who was asked to carry out a pre-sentence report on Cook, told the court that it was his opinion that the defendant “did not intend to cause harm” with the knife.
Mr Watson said that Cook “did not realise” that it was illegal to carry a pocket knife.
He said:
The defendant tells me that he was wearing the same work clothes as the day before and had the knife in his trousers. He genuinely made a mistake.
Magistrates sentenced Cook to a 12-month community order and ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work.
He was also disqualified from driving for three years.
Cook was ordered to pay a victim’s surcharge of £114 and £85 in court costs.
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