18 hours ago
Knifeman jailed after making threats and shouting in street
A knifeman who was seen in the street shouting and making threats to people has been jailed for nearly a year.
Matthew Hapgood, aged 44, of no fixed abode, was jailed for 10 months for possession of a knife following a hearing at Oxford Magistrates' Court on Friday (June 13).
He must also pay a victim surcharge of £154.
Hapgood previously pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a knife blade in a public place on May 23.
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At approximately 19.35pm on March 13 this year, in Abbott Road, Didcot, Hapgood was seen in the street with a knife shouting and making threats at another man.
Officers arrived and Hapgood was stop searched and a knife was located underneath a car nearby which witnesses attributed to Hapgood and he was subsequently arrested.
Hapgood was charged the following day.
Matthew Hapgood (Image: Thames Valley Police) Investigating officer PC Taylor Woolley said: 'I am pleased that Matthew Hapgood has been jailed in connection with this offence.
'Thames Valley Police is absolutely committed to removing lethal weapons from our streets and, through Operation Deter, we will proactively pursue and prosecute offenders who seek to carry knives in our communities.
'If you carry a knife, you can be expected to be dealt with by the courts. We will robustly pursue and charge anybody who feels it is acceptable to carry such weapons.
'Knife carrying will not be tolerated in the Thames Valley. Harsher consequences have been brought in, meaning you will end up in court.
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'Habitual offenders will trigger mandated minimum sentences more quickly, there are no more second chances.
'The public are key to us tackling knife crime. If you have any information about anybody you know who may be carrying a knife, you can report this to us.
'You can either contact us via our website or by calling 101, or for 100 per cent anonymity, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.'
