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New Legislation Banning All Zombie-Style Knives Set to be Introduced

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From 24th September 2024, a change to the Criminal Justice Act 1988 will extend the current law, making possessing all forms of zombie-style knives and machetes in the UK illegal. This is an extension of the current ban on zombie knives, widening the definition of ‘zombie knife’ to close a loophole which was being exploited by many.

Before this ban comes into effect, an amnesty scheme has been set up. Under this scheme, anyone who currently owns a zombie-style knife can hand it into a police station without being prosecuted.

Being found guilty of possession of an offensive weapon, like a zombie knife, is a very serious offence and can lead to prison sentences in some instances. It is important to understand how this change in legislation will work and what the consequences may be for anyone found to be in possession of a zombie-style knife after the amnesty period ends.

What is a zombie-style knife?

The ban on zombie-style knives will be extended to cover all weapons with the following characteristics:

  • a plain cutting edge
  • a sharp pointed end
  • a blade of over eight inches long, in addition to;
  • at least one of the following:
  • a serrated cutting edge over two inches long
  • more than one hole in the blade
  • spikes
  • more than two sharp points in the blade.

Under the current law, zombie-style knives must also feature images or words (whether on the blade or handle) that suggest that it is to be used for the purpose of violence. This requirement is thus being removed by the new change in the law.

Why is the ban on zombie-style knives being extended?

The extension of the ban is due to a legal loophole in the current definition of a zombie knife. At present, a weapon is only classified as a zombie knife if it features violent images or words. As our Senior Partner Umar Zeb explained to the i, this has allowed sellers to continue offering the same weapons by simply removing any violent designs or wording.

Although there have been efforts to restrict access to dangerous knives, including measures in the Online Safety Act 2023, it has still been possible to buy zombie-style weapons online.

Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson has stated that strengthening the ban is part of the government’s wider plan to halve knife crime within ten years.

What does the amnesty scheme involve?

Under the amnesty scheme, anyone in possession of a zombie-style knife can hand it in to their nearest designated police station. Compensation may be available for handing in a zombie-style knife, with the standard amount being £10.

For claims for individual items that are worth more than £10, acceptable evidence (such as a purchase receipt) will need to be provided. Claims for compensation need to be made at the same time as surrendering the weapon.

What will the ban on zombie-style knives mean moving forward?

The ban on zombie-style weapons will cover the manufacture, supply, sale, possession, and importation of these types of weapons, in both public and private places.

What are the sentencing guidelines for possessing a zombie-style knife?

The maximum sentence on conviction for an adult carrying a zombie-style knife is 4 years imprisonment and an unlimited fine.

If you are over 18 and are found to have been threatening someone with a knife or have been caught repeatedly carrying a knife, you will face a minimum sentence of six months in prison.

The minimum sentence for anyone aged 16-17 is a four-month detention and training order.

What should you do if you are accused of possessing a zombie-style knife?

After the 24th September, it will be a criminal offence to be in possession of any zombie-style knife. If you are accused of possessing a zombie-style knife, or any other type of illegal knife, it is vital that you have expert legal advice and representation on your side.

At JD Spicer Zeb, our criminal defence solicitors have over 45 years of experience in representing individuals accused of a wide range of criminal offences, including knife and firearm offences. We are well-placed to offer tailored support to help you achieve a positive outcome for your case, helping you avoid charges, or have a sentence lowered if you are unable to avoid conviction.

We are highly skilled at dealing with the various forms of evidence that are relied on in these types of cases, meaning we have all of the necessary tools to build a strong defence case and identify any flaws in the case against you.

We have been accredited by the Law Society for Criminal Litigation. This, along with our extensive experience, means that we can demonstrate a strong track record of previous success. Over the years, we have also established strong relationships with many of the country’s leading criminal defence barristers.

If you face an accusation related to possessing a zombie-style knife, our team will be able to provide you with the support you need.

Related matters

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We always communicate information regarding our fees as clearly as possible.

Legal aid may be available for your case, depending on whether it passes a means test and whether the grant of public funding is justified.

Where you do not qualify for legal aid, the alternative will be to fund the case on a private basis.

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Contact our criminal defence lawyers today

Please do not hesitate to contact us for a free initial consultation, urgent specialist advice, or immediate representation, or to speak to us confidentially about an arrest or charges related to possession of a zombie-style knife.

You can contact our dedicated criminal defence lawyers in London, Birmingham, and Manchester by telephone on:

Or email: solicitors@jdspicer.co.uk

Alternatively, you can fill out our quick online enquiry form, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

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