On August 4, 2023, a couple, Xing Yu (29) and Bilian Weng (28), were caught selling a collection of martial arts weapons and knives at a car boot sale in Warrington, Cheshire. The couple displayed 12 lock knives, five nunchucks, and batons, which alarmed other traders at the sale.

Both immigrants from China, Yu and Weng claimed they were unaware that their items were illegal in the UK, as similar goods are often sold at markets in their home country. They stated they had purchased the weapons from another vendor at the car boot sale and intended to sell them for a profit.

Following a search of their home, police discovered a telescopic baton. At Warrington magistrates court, they admitted to several charges involving possessing offensive weapons and bladed articles both in public and private places, as well as possession for sale or hire.

In court, prosecutor Mr. Kassem Noureddine elaborated that the defendants had shown no prior criminal behavior and had acted out of ignorance. “Both defendants are of previous good character,” he noted.

A probation report revealed that Yu had moved to the UK ten years ago to seek a better life and met Weng in 2019, marrying her two years later. Before the incident, Yu had attended the same car boot sale where he purchased the knives and nunchucks with the intent to sell them for a small profit.

The probation officer emphasized the serious nature of knife crime in the UK and called Yu’s actions "extremely foolish," noting the potential dangers of selling such weapons.

Weng also reflected on the incident, stating she too believed buying and selling the items was acceptable. Both defendants recognized their naïveté regarding the legal implications of their actions.

The defence lawyer, Gary Scholar, argued that the couple's offences stemmed from genuine ignorance and that they had no intention of breaking the law again.

While facing a possible 12-month prison sentence, both Yu and Weng received a suspended sentence of four months for 12 months. They were required to pay £239 in costs and victim surcharge, and the items in question were ordered to be forfeited and destroyed.

In delivering the sentence, JP Iain Deas acknowledged their good character and lack of prior convictions, concluding that this incident was a one-off mistake and that imprisonment was not warranted.