Troubled Chesterfield teen caught brandishing knife

Leyton Yates, 19, of Atlow Close, Chesterfield, was reported to police, according to a recent Chesterfield magistrates’ court hearing, by a man who had seen Yates with the knife and dog during a visit to his home.

Prosecuting solicitor Becky Allsop told the January 19 hearing: “Officers received a report from a neighbour of the defendant’s that he had been at his home with a big dog and a big knife. Police came and as Yates turned police saw he had a kitchen knife with an eight-inch blade and he was told to put it down and he threw it down.”

Yates, who has no previous convictions, pleaded guilty to possessing a bladed article in a public place after the incident on January 15.

The probation service explained Yates had the knife with him because he intended to harm himself and he had taken the dog to a neighbour’s so it would not be affected.

Yates’ motivation, according to the probation service, was for self-harm and he did not intend to hurt anyone else.

The court heard how Yates had been employed as a painter and decorator but had not been working due to ill health and he has been treated for depression.

Yates has also been assessed by a community health team, according to the probation service, which has recommended medication.

Magistrates sentenced Yates to a 12 month community order with a rehabilitation activity requirement for six days and 60 hours of unpaid work. Yates was also ordered to pay £85 costs and a £60 victim surcharge.