Man from Oxford found with zombie knife minutes after ban came into force, is jailed
Kofie John-Welch was found only 22 minutes after new legislation came into force last September.
Last updated 28th Mar 2025
A man who was found in possession of a Zombie knife minutes after new legislation came into force last September has been handed a custodial sentence.
On Tuesday 24 September 2024, 22 minutes after new legislation came into force, which banned the possession of Zombie knives in private places, officers found the weapon during a search of Kofie John-Welch’s property in Druce Way.
On Wednesday 26 March at Oxford Crown Court the 29th year old pleaded guilty to one count of affray and one count of possession of a bladed article in a private place.
John-Welch was charged on the same date that the weapon was located - becoming the first person in the UK to be charged with the new offence.
He has now been sentenced to one year and two months’ imprisonment.
A deprivation order was made for the knife and for a set of nun chucks, which were also located during a search of his address.
The search was in connection with an incident of affray in the city on 29 August 2024.
Detective Constable Tim Salter, of the Oxford Priority Crime Team, said: “The arrest of Kofie John-Welch occurred just minutes after new legislation came into force, which banned the possession of Zombie knives.
“The search of his property was in connection with an affray investigation in the city, for which John-Welch pleaded guilty to, along with the knife offence.
“He has been sentenced accordingly to one year and two months’ imprisonment.
“This is an excellent outcome for Thames Valley Police, and we are proud that we were the first force in the UK to bring about charges as a result of the new legislation.
“We will never tolerate anybody found in possession of dangerous weapons in our communities, be that in public or in a private place.
“Information received from the public can be a crucial element in us bringing offenders to justice.
“I would urge anybody who has any information about a person who is in possession of knives or bladed items to report this to us.
“You can do so in confidence by reporting online or by calling 101, or alternatively, via the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
“Through Operation Deter, Thames Valley Police adopts a zero tolerance approach to those found in possession of knives or sharp pointed objects.
“If you are found in possession of a weapon, you can expect to be charged and remanded to court quickly. We are absolutely dedicated to removing the threat of dangerous weapons from our communities.”