A man has been jailed after arming himself with a sharpened tile during a disorder in Chippenham.
Police officers were called to Unity House, a homeless hostel in Wood Lane, in the early hours of 9 August this year following reports of a disturbance.
After receiving information from witnesses, an area search was carried out and James Lait, a known local offender, was located in St Mary’s Street.
He was found to be in possession of a piece of tile that had been sharpened to form a pointed article – which, if used, could have been capable of causing serious harm.
Lait was charged with possessing a blade/sharp pointed article in a public place and pleaded guilty to the offence when he appeared at Swindon Magistrates’ Court on 3 November.
The 24-year-old, of Goldney Avenue, Chippenham, was sentenced to six months imprisonment – the mandatory term for possessing a blade/sharp pointed article. He must also pay £85 prosecution costs and a £154 surcharge.
The crime was committed only a short time after his release from prison. In March 2022, he was jailed for various offences, including assaults.
Following the incident outside Unity House, PC Evangeline Templar said: “We received multiple reports of ongoing disorder in Chippenham in the very early hours of Tuesday morning – officers made a search of the local area and located Lait in St Mary’s Street.
“Lait was subject to recall to prison following his sentencing earlier this year.
“I hope news of his latest sentencing will provide some reassurance to residents that we will continue to respond immediately to reports of violent disorder and ensure those responsible are put before the courts.”
