Birmingham knifeman jailed after attempting to dodge paying his train fare at Manchester Piccadilly

British Transport Police discovered Tamiah Reece from Birmingham was carrying a knife on a train after he attempted to avoid paying his train fair.

He was caught after officers were called to Manchester Piccadilly Station following reports that a man had pushed through ticket barriers to board a train on Sunday, December 18. Officers carried out further checks, which revealed that Reece was wanted for assault. When the officers arrested Reece for the assault, he was found to be carrying a Stanley knife and was further arrested for possession of a bladed article.

The 23 year-old, from Handsworth, was jailed for six months at Birmingham Crown Court on Tuesday, July 25 after pleading guilty to possession of a bladed article. This was added to a sentence of four years for additional offences.

Investigating officer PC Rhiannah Pimblett said: "Despite trying in vain to evade justice, little did Reece imagine that refusing to pay his fare, instead drawing unnecessary attention to himself, would lead to his capture. Thankfully officers found and seized the potentially dangerous blade he was carrying, something that ultimately led to him landing a longer sentence."