Man convicted of possessing a knife in public in Banbury

The 22-year-old pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a knife in a public place.

Adil Taseem, of Manor Road, Banbury also pleaded guilty to one count of using threating, abusive or insulting words or behaviour with intent to cause fear of or to provoke unlawful violence.

It’s in relation to an incident on Saturday the 27th May, when Taseem along with another male entered a business in Church Lane armed with a machete.

He then left with the weapon in full view before concealing it down his jogging bottoms and the pair ran off.

Footage of the incident was widely shared on social media, which led police to Taseem, whom officers arrested on Sunday (28/5) and charged on Monday (29/5).

He has been remanded in custody and is due to be sentenced at Oxford Crown Court on 29th June.

Investigating officer PC Neil Wheeler, based at Banbury police station, said: “Thames Valley Police will never tolerate knife crime of all types on its patch.

“After becoming aware of the video of Adil Taseem with a machete in the town centre, we quickly identified and arrested him, and now he’s been convicted.

“I hope the speedy nature of our investigation and justice being served provides a clear warning to anyone considering carrying a knife in public.

“We are still investigating this incident as the other male involved in the incident remains outstanding and we will do everything in our power to bring him to justice too.”