Man Found in Possession of Axes and Air Weapon When Caught Driving Stolen Car
Michael Compton, a 42-year-old man, was discovered with two axes and an unloaded air weapon when he was stopped by the police for driving a stolen car. Additionally, he was found with cocaine and was driving without insurance at the time of his arrest. The incident took place in Cardiff when Compton was seen driving a blue Ford Ka on February 5. The car had been reported stolen in November of the previous year, and it was revealed that the number plates on the vehicle were fake.
During a sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court, it was disclosed that Compton was apprehended on Fidlas Road in Llanishen and claimed that he had purchased the car. Upon searching him, the authorities found 0.4g of cocaine in his wallet. Further investigation of the vehicle led to the discovery of the two axes and an unloaded ASG air weapon. Moreover, it was confirmed that Compton was driving without insurance.
The prosecution, led by Peter Donnison, stated that Compton confessed to buying the car for £3,500 and was unaware that the number plates had been altered. He refused to divulge any information about the seller. Compton eventually pleaded guilty to several charges, including possession of the unloaded air weapon, possession of two bladed articles, using a false registration mark, driving without insurance, receiving stolen goods, and possession of cocaine. His criminal record revealed 20 previous convictions, primarily for driving offenses and possession of bladed articles.
In his defense, barrister Tom Roberts argued that Compton had transformed into a different person in recent years and was now a responsible individual with regular contact with his 13-year-old son and a one-year-old child from his new relationship. The court acknowledged his reasons for purchasing the car, citing the necessity to commute to work and take his child to school. Despite this, Judge Timothy Petts emphasized that Compton’s history of convictions warranted an immediate custodial sentence.
Consequently, Compton was sentenced to a total of 10 months in prison. The judge deemed it necessary due to the defendant’s past criminal behavior. This case serves as a reminder of the consequences of engaging in unlawful activities and the importance of abiding by the law. Authorities continue to uphold justice and ensure that individuals are held accountable for their actions to maintain law and order in society. Such incidents highlight the significance of adhering to regulations and the potential repercussions of deviating from lawful conduct.