Illegal: The defendant had no lawful excuse for having a knife in public A THIRTY-year-old Carlisle man has been given a suspended prison sentence after he admitted possessing a knife in a public place. Stuart Anthony Hedley, 30, of Newcastle Street, Carlisle, committed the offence on Sunday, December 27, the city s Rickergate court heard. He was caught carrying a kitchen knife in London Road, Carlisle but had no lawful excuse for having it, the court was told. Magistrates imposed a 12 week jail term but suspended it for a year. The defendant was also told that he must pay £85 prosecution costs and a victim surcharge of £128.