Islington shop owner fined after knives sold to 15-year-old

A shop owner in Islington has been ordered to pay £1,000 in fines and costs after an employee sold a set of steak knives to a 15-year-old girl.

The sale was made at Star Pound Plus, 55 Seven Sisters Road, on 15 February 2012, during a test-purchasing exercise by Islington Council's trading standards team.

On 9 August 2012 at Highbury Magistrates' Court Mr Meer Aziz Islam, trading as Star Pound Plus, 55 Seven Sisters Road, pleaded guilty to supplying a set of steak knives to a 15-year-old.  He was fined £650.00 with £350 costs.

It is an offence under the Criminal Justice Act 1988 to supply knives to under-18s.

Mr Islam also had a previous conviction from 2009 for a similar offence, and magistrates warned him that if convicted of a third identical offence he could face a custodial sentence. 

In mitigation, the court took into account his early guilty plea and co-operation.

Cllr Paul Convery, Islington Council's executive member for community safety, said: "We're on the side of residents and committed to tackling crime and anti-social behaviour.

"Knives in the wrong hands can destroy lives, and we will take action against shops that break the law and sell knives to under-18s.

"I'd urge all shops to ask for identification and get in contact with us if they want any advice or help with avoiding underage sales."

For help or advice on avoiding underage sales contact the council's Trading Standards team on 020 7527 2000 or go to www.islington.gov.uk/tradingstandards