‘Extremely foolish’ carnival-goer pleads guilty to knife offence
Habeeb Ajaga was stopped and searched at Notting Hill Carnival on Monday
PA
A 20-year-old carnival-goer has pleaded guilty to possession of a blade and two drug possession offences.
Habeeb Ajaga was stopped and searched at Notting Hill Carnival on Monday around 6pm, when the bladed article, cannabis and gas canisters were found.
Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard that he made no comment during his police interview.
The prosecution said Ajaga, 20, went to Notting Hill Carnival armed with a lock knife.
Habeeb Ajaga was stopped and searched at Notting Hill Carnival on MondayPAThe court heard that he has a previous conviction for possession of a weapon when he was a youth in 2021.
The defending barrister said his client had been “extremely foolish” as he made an application for bail.
District Judge John Zani said that “trouble arises” late in the afternoon in Notting Hill Carnival, noting that the defendant was arrested at 6pm.
He asked: “What is in the mind of those who bring knives to the carnival?”
The defending barrister said his client had been “extremely foolish” as he made an application for bail
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Judge Zani continued: "You’ve pleaded guilty to three serious offences.
"My assessment of what was happening on that day is that there was clearly a risk of serious public disorder with anyone who has got a knife. Going there with the canisters is bizarre.
"You thought it was a dangerous place and you chose to go there.
"You decided to travel all the way from East London with a knife and these other items, which is too serious to be dealt with in this court."
Rejecting the application for bail, Judge Zani said: “I have concerns that you may well reoffend. It’s got to stop.”
Ajaga was committed to Isleworth Crown Court for sentencing.
The defendant made a praying gesture in the dock as he was taken away.
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