Solihull shop owner prosecuted for selling boxcutter knife to teen

The owners of a cornershop in Solihull have been prosecuted after a boxcutter knife was sold to a teenager.

Solihull Council oversaw the prosecution of Balvinder Singh Chhokar and Rajinder Kaur who run Margeret’s Store at 111 Camplea Croft, Fordbridge.

On Friday 26 May, at Birmingham Magistrates Court, the pair pleaded guilty to the sale of an age-restricted product to a minor. They were each fined £293, with £100 towards costs and £175 in victim surcharge (a total of £568 per defendant).

The sale took place in October 2022 as part of a sting operation by Solihull Council. Officers sent two 17-year-old female volunteers into the store who were able to buy the knife unchallenged.

Earlier this year in April, the store avoided losing its licence to operate after a council hearing discussed its future following the incident. During the hearing, councillors heard from a solicitor representing Margaret’s Store that staff had undertaken refresher training since the incident and that conditions proposed by the police were in the process of being put in place.

This is the second prosecution by Solihull Council for the sale of a knife to an underage customer from October’s sting operation. Earlier this month, Navaratnam Oppilamani of Premier store at 159 Bosworth Drive, Fordbridge, was also fined.

What’s been said about the incident?

Cllr Wazma Qais, cabinet member for communities and leisure, said: “We are pleased with another successful prosecution for the unlawful sale of a knife in Solihull. These test purchase operations serve as an important and stark reminder for retailers to comply with their legal obligations.

“It only takes one knife to fall into the wrong hands and the consequences could be tragic. Once again, we thank our Trading Standards team for their efforts to help tackle knife crime and keep the borough safe.

“The council continues to carry out test purchase operations. If you have concerns about the sale of knives in Solihull, please report this to the council on 0121 704 8001.”