South Shields man ordered knuckledusters online

Mubinar Rahman, 21, of Henry Nelson Street, South Shields, bought five of the weapons from China because it was cheaper than buying one, South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court heard.

Clare Irving, prosecuting, told the court the weapons were found after the parcel was opened and inspected at Royal Mail’s Langley depot near Heathrow airport.

She added: “When Rahman was interviewed by police he told them he ordered the knuckledusters because he just fancied having them.

“He said he had used his bank card to pay for them, and had bought five because it was cheaper than buying one.

“He told police he was unaware a knuckleduster was an offensive weapon, and that it is illegal to import or possess one.”

Rahman admitted improperly importing goods to which a prohibition applies.

The court heard he has five previous convictions for drugs offences.

Charlton Carr, defending, said: “Mr Rahman is a student doing a business course. There is no significant reason why he wanted the knuckledusters. He certainly had no intention of using or selling them.”

The magistrates adjourned sentence for the preparation of a report from the probation service.

Rahman was bailed to return to court to be dealt with on December 2.