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Knife and Other Weapons Offences

Plain-English digest of CPS prosecution guidance.

All CPS guidance

AI-generated summary — not verbatim. This is a plain-English digest, not the official CPS text. It may omit detail or fall out of date. Do not rely on it for a charging decision — read the full guidance on cps.gov.uk and check the current legislation.

This prosecution guidance is designed to assist prosecutors in reviewing cases involving knives and other weapons, focusing on charge selection based on the severity of the offence and the applicable legal frameworks. It outlines various types of offences related to weapons, the selection process for charges, the implications of acceptable pleas, and sentencing guidelines. The guidance also details specific legal definitions and terms related to weapon possession and use within public and private contexts.

Key points

  • Guidance aids prosecutors in charge selection for weapon offences.
  • Charge selection should reflect the seriousness of the offence.
  • Prosecutors need to adhere to specific legal definitions of weapons.
  • Mandatory minimum sentences apply for certain weapon offences.
  • Acceptable pleas must align with the court's sentencing powers.

Public-interest factors

  • Reducing knife crime and public safety concerns.
  • Protecting vulnerable individuals from weapon-related violence.
  • Ensuring appropriate legal consequences for weapons offences.
Possession of dangerous knivesSale of knives to under 18sPossession of an offensive weapon in a public placeThreatening with an offensive weapon in a public placePossession of a bladed article in a public placeManufacture, sell or hire dangerous weapons
Read the full guidance on cps.gov.uk
Reviewed by the BlueLineHub Editorial Team
Last reviewed: 2 April 2025 · Next review due: 2 October 2025

This is a factual digest of guidance published by the Crown Prosecution Service. Digested 2026-07-15. BlueLineHub is independent and not affiliated with the CPS.