Criminal with Long Rap Sheet Nabbed Carrying Knife in Wellington
Wayne Titley, a 45-year-old man with an “appalling” criminal record, was caught carrying a foldable blade in the heart of Wellington. The man, who boasts 27 previous convictions covering 79 offences, was found with a two-inch knife on Regent Street after a dramatic car chase on December 30.
Police Chase Ends with Foot Pursuit and Arrest
Titley was spotted driving a Fiat and failed to stop for police, sparking a short vehicle pursuit. After ditching the car, he tried to run on foot but was quickly caught. During his court interview, he claimed he used the knife to cut hay bales at his uncle’s farm, but refused to say where exactly or why he still had the blade late at night.
Ignoring Conditional Discharge: More Trouble for Titley
At Shrewsbury Crown Court, it was revealed that Titley breached a two-year conditional discharge from 2018 related to making false representations. Earlier this year, he also received another conditional discharge for theft.
“On this particular evening he was in possession of a foldable pocket knife. He says quite frankly he simply forgot he had it in his pocket,” said Gareth James, defending Titley. “He had it on him from working at his uncle’s farm earlier that day. Of course, ignorance is no defence.”
Judge Slaps Titley with Community Order
Judge Anthony Lowe told Titley: “You have an appalling record, but nothing in your history shows carrying an offensive weapon.”
“I have my doubts about your explanation, but no evidence you had an ulterior motive.”
Titley received a 12-month community order, including 30 days of rehabilitation. He was also hit with a victim surcharge and had the knife confiscated and destroyed.
