Hartlepool man admits knife and cocaine offences

Ben Judge, 28, appeared before Teesside Magistrates’ Court after pleading guilty to having in his possession a sharp knife on Jutland Road, in Hartlepool, on November 18, 2023.

Judge, of Farr Walk, Hartlepool, also pleaded guilty to having a pocket knife in the town’s Catcote Road on January 26, 2024.

Speaking about the incident in January, prosecutor Daniel Hill said: “An unmarked police car stopped on Catcote Road, Hartlepool, a black Vauxhall.

"There were a few people inside, including the defendant who was a passenger.

"The defendant originally gave false details to the police.

"A search was conducted and a bladed knife was found.”

Judge originally pleaded not guilty to the earlier charge before entering a new guilty plea.

Neil Taylor, defending, said: “He accepts that the knife is one of the smaller-looking fishing knives.

"It was in a public place but not in an area frequented by people.

"He was not threatening anyone.”

The court heard that, while Judge has committed a “number of offences” in the past, this is the first time he has been charged with having a weapon in a public place.

Judge also pleaded guilty to having a “small amount of cocaine” in his possession on January 26, 2024, after he was searched by the police.

He will remain in custody until he returns to the court in March to be sentenced.