A fast food worker has avoided jail after brandishing a knife at people outside a popular city centre restaurant. Bradley Fair already had a past conviction for possessing a blade, for which he was given a community order in 2024, when he decided to arm himself yet again.
A court heard that the 21-year-old went to meet friends in Newcastle City Centre but ended up pulling out the weapon and brandishing it outside Taco Bell, on Grainger Street. The police were called and saw Fair with the knife before they arrested him.
Second offence in two years
Despite it being his second offence in just two years for having a weapon, Fair, of Gilesgate, in Durham, has now avoided jail after pleading guilty to possession of a bladed article. Chike Anieto, prosecuting at Newcastle Magistrates' Court, said police were called to Taco Bell on August 1 this year.
“There was an issue with a male being detained whilst carrying a knife,” Mr Anieto added. “Officers arrived at the scene and saw a member of the public detaining the defendant due to him brandishing a knife during an altercation. Police identified the defendant. Following this, he was searched and the officers found a small, black-handled knife in his pocket.”
Defendant's background and defence
The court heard that Fair was extremely vulnerable and suffered from autism, learning difficulties and ADHD. Rebecca Highton, defending, said, despite his issues, Fair had managed to gain full-time employment working in McDonald's. Miss Highton continued: “He has been exploited and manipulated in the past but he's turned his life around.”
The court heard that Fair claimed he was assaulted by a male and a female outside Taco Bell and brandished the knife when he remembered it was in his pocket.
