Teens had knife, bat and axe ‘for protection’

Two teenagers admitted having a knife, axe and baseball bat for their protection.

Kenwell Pearman and Malik Wilson, both 16, appeared in Magistrates’ Court today.

Pearman pleaded guilty to possession of a knife and axe, both with three-and-a-half inch blades, on Montpelier Road on February 22.

Wilson pleaded guilty to possession of a baseball bat.

The court heard the defendants were stopped on a bike that Pearman was riding and Wilson was a passenger on at 10pm that night.

Officers searched the boys and the bike and found the baseball bat on Wilson.

The knife and axe were found under the seat of the bike.

Both defendants told the officers the weapons were for their protection.

They were both arrested and bailed.

Wilson and Pearman apologised to the court.

Pearman told Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner he had found the axe on the road that night.

He said they were heading to a party and said only the bat was for protection.

Shelly Wilson, Wilson’ mother, addressed the court and said: “Before this matter came to court, I advised my son to plead guilty.

“I want it to be over and done with and want my boy to be given a chance.

“They are young men and they deserve a chance.”

Mr Warner gave the young men $1,000 bail each with one surety.

They must also agree to wear an electronic monitoring device and adhere to a 9pm to 6am curfew.

They will be sentenced on April 30.