BREAKING: Man armed with a knife who threatened members of the public and was swiftly arrested by officers-walks away from court with a suspended sentence.

Morfett pulled a large knife from his waist band and lunged the blade towards the victim’s throat. He then left the area prior to police arrival. 

Despite quick work by local police officers, a man who is seen in the photo below threatening members of the public with a knife in Harold Hill, has been handed a ten month suspended sentence.

On Wednesday, 2 October 2024, Alan Morfett, 20, of Darlington Gardens, Romford, appeared at Snaresbrook Crown Court where he was handed a ten month sentence suspended for two years for threatening a person with a blade in a public place.

Morfett had previously pleaded guilty to this offence. 

On Saturday, 22 June 2024, the 39-year-old victim was sitting on a bench in Farnham Road when Morfett approached him, pulled a large knife from his waist band and lunged the blade towards the victim’s throat. He then left the area prior to police arrival. 

 The following day, the local neighbourhood team searched for the suspect, meticulously scouring CCTV and patrolling the area. Officers identified Morfett and arrested him in Harold Hill. After further enquiries the knife and balaclava believed to have been used during the incident were found by police. 

Officers continued to gather further evidence that resulted in Morfett being charged, remanded and pleading guilty at court.

Acting Chief Inspector Charlie Routley of the Met’s East Area command said

 “I would like to commend my officers’ professionalism and tenacity in identifying Morfett and arresting him so quickly. The dedication shown to identify him and remove this weapon from our streets epitomises the community crime fighting spirit that all Havering Safer Neighbourhoods officers share.

“Our commitment to making areas like Harold Hill a safe place to live, work and visit continues with offenders being targeted as part of the “Our Harold Hill” (Clear Hold Build) project. Crimes like this will not be tolerated and we will continue to put these prolific offenders before the courts.”

Alan Morfett.

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