Knifeman jailed after stabbing threat outside Hitchin nightspot Aura

A 23-year-old man has been jailed after he admitted going out armed with a knife and threatening to stab someone outside a Hitchin nightspot.

Stevenage magistrates jailed Adrian Mirel Haidu, of Nightingale Road in Hitchin, for 16 weeks after hearing that he had made the threats on the pavement outside Aura in Sun Street on Saturday, September 4.

The court heard that he had regularly carried the folding knife with him ‘for protection’, and was stopped on the night by door staff.

Chairman of the bench Sean Smith took Haidu’s guilty plea into account when passing sentence.

In addition to the jail term he was ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £115.

North Herts Chief Inspector Julie Wheatley said: “Carrying a knife is never acceptable and can result in causing serious injury to, or even the death of, someone else or yourself.

“Anyone found to be carrying a knife without a lawful reason could face time behind bars and the consequences of having a criminal record will last a lifetime.

“I hope that this sentencing sends a strong message to those carrying knives or thinking about carrying weapons that the consequences are substantial and life-changing.

“Hertfordshire continues to be a safe county with few incidents of violence where knives are used. However, although incidents of knife crime are low, the force is not complacent and will work to bring offenders to justice.”