URGENT UPDATE: A Northumberland woman was discovered with a knuckleduster during a police raid as authorities executed a warrant in search of drugs. Kerry Parker, 39, stated that the weapon was part of a memory box belonging to her late nephew, who had possessed it since childhood.
On August 26, 2023, officers from the Northumbria Police raided Parker’s home in Stakeford under the Misuse of Drugs Act. While no drug-related charges have been filed, police uncovered the knuckleduster hidden in a drawer.
During proceedings at the South East Northumberland Magistrates’ Court, prosecutor Paul Anderson confirmed that recent legal changes have made it illegal to possess a knuckleduster in both private and public spaces. “It’s an offensive weapon as it is the only thing it can be, it doesn’t have another use,” Anderson stated.
Parker, who has remained trouble-free since 2018, pleaded guilty to possessing the knuckleduster. Defense attorney Kyle Patterson emphasized the sentimental value of the weapon, explaining that it was included in a memory box created by the family in honor of her nephew. “She had forgotten it was there,” Patterson said, highlighting the emotional significance of the item.
Parker has received a six-month conditional discharge following her plea. The court’s decision underscores the strict enforcement of weapon possession laws, which have grown more stringent in recent months.
This case raises questions about the balance between emotional attachments to personal items and legal restrictions on weapon possession. As the law continues to evolve, individuals are urged to be aware of the implications of possessing items that may be deemed offensive weapons.
Authorities are expected to continue monitoring similar situations as they arise, ensuring public safety remains a top priority. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
