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.
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.”
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