South Tyneside teenager caught with two knives and a bottle of ammonia when stopped by police in South Shields

Kye McCaffery, 19, pleaded guilty to two charges of carrying a weapon in a public place, a charge of possession of cocaine, driving without insurance and without a licence.

South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court heard that McCaffery, of Kelly Road, Hebburn, was stopped by police on Sunderland Road in South Shields on August 3 last year.

Glenda Beck, prosecuting, said: “The officers noticed that Mr McCaffery seemed to be on edge.

“A search of the car was carried out and a bottle of ammonia and a bag of white powder were found. Two knives were also found concealed under the passenger seat.”

She said: “He said the knives were for his own protection just in case anything happened.”

Ms Beck said McCaffery told officers the car belonged to a friend and he had taken it from outside their house.

She said he confirmed he didn’t have a licence or insurance to drive the Vauxhall Corsa.

A spokesman for the probation service said the 19-year-old, who lost his mum when he was just 13, has no previous convictions.

She said: “He said he took the vehicle from an associate who had owed him money.”

The probation officer said since the death of his mother, the teenager had lived between his older sister and his father. He had been removed from mainstream school and was diagnosed with ADHD.

Tracy Wood, defending, said: “He is not a mature 19-year-old. He is young and he is stupid. He is sorry for what he has done.”

She said the car belonged to a former friend and he took it because the person hadn’t paid him the money they owed.

She said: “It was a stupid act and a stupid decision that he made.

“He says he needs to move forward with his life.”

McCaffery was given a 16-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, 150 hours unpaid work and a 12-month driving ban. He was also ordered to pay £85 costs and a £121 surcharge.