Donegal Judge expresses concern over knife culture crime

A judge has spoke of his fears of “knife culture” crime in Britain spreading to Ireland.
Judge Kevin Kilrane was dealing with a case in which Liverpool-born John Fullerton admitted making a knife threat when he stole a case of Budweiser from a Bundoran supermarket.
Ballyshannon District Court was told that although Fullerton didn’t show the knife he had it in his pocket and threatened to use it on a member of staff as he walked out the door with the drink.
Fullerton told the judge he knew he carried out the drink from CCTV footage but he had drink taken and didn’t remember making the knife threat. It was a small knife which was a present from his girlfriend and he carried it on a key ring. He used it when walking and camping.
Fullerton has been living in the Bundoran area for the past 4 ½ years.
Judge Kilrane said knife crime was prevalent in Britain and particularly prevalent in Liverpool and people didn’t want that culture in Britain in Ireland
He added that knife crime was not as prevalent in this jurisdiction, but there had been knife crimes and it was a very worrying development.
Fullerton, who was said to have no previous convictions, was fined a total of €350 for the sharp-bladed knife possession and for the theft of €21.99 worth of beer from Supervalu, Bundoran, last June 22nd.