MPs vote for tougher knife laws same day Harold Hill housemate stabber spared prison

Sam Blewett

Published: 7:00 AM June 23, 2014 Updated: 12:22 PM October 13, 2020

Colin Payne who was stabbed by his housemate outside Snaresbrook Corwn Court awaiting the sentencing. - Credit: Archant

The decision to allow Jason Da Costa his freedom came the same day that MPs voted in favour of a new law to increase sentences for knife possession.

MP Andrew Rosindell, 48 - Credit: Archant

The House of Commons backed a move to impose mandatory jail terms on any adult convicted of a second offence involving a knife, on Wednesday.

Adults convicted of a second offence of carrying a knife will receive a minimum six-month jail term while 16-year-olds will face a minimum four-month detaining and training order.

Romford MP Andrew Rosindell, who voted for the tougher sentences, said: “Hopefully this law ensures knife crime is dealt with seriously in the future.

“We need zero tolerance policy on knife crime. It’s horrendous what we have been seeing on the streets and I’m glad we will be making it much tougher.”