Man Jailed for Carrying 12-Inch Axe at Busy Victoria Station
A 22-year-old man was caught red-handed carrying a deadly 12-inch axe through London’s packed Victoria railway station. Nithusan Gobinathan was jailed for seven weeks after being found guilty of possession of an offensive weapon at Blackfriars Crown Court on 18 November.
Caught by Sharp-Eyed Cops During Terror Patrol
On 16 April 2018, British Transport Police’s Project Servator team was on high alert at Victoria station. These patrols aim to stop crime – especially terrorism – with a visible police presence and specialist detection methods.
As crowds passed through the barriers, an explosive search dog was scanning the area when Gobinathan’s suspicious behaviour caught the eye of plain-clothed officers. They stopped and searched him, uncovering the axe in his rucksack, unshielded by any protective cover.
Judge Sends Clear Warning: No Weapons on Railways
Project Servator Inspector Pete Day said:
“There’s absolutely no excuse to be carrying offensive weapons on the railway, and thankfully, Gobinathan will now have time to think about his choices in prison.”
The defendant tried to claim he bought the axe for gardening – but the jury weren’t having it. Inspector Day added:
“We saw straight through this and he rightly received a custodial sentence.”
Everyday Patrols Keep UK Railways Safe
Inspector Day praised the role of Project Servator teams, who are specially trained to spot dodgy characters trying to dodge the law:
“We carry out high visibility patrols like this every day, all around the country, to keep the public safe.”
