Teenager Jailed for 30 Months for wielding Zombie Knife in Public

Strategic Insights -

A 19-year-old teenager, Zak Paya, was sentenced to 30 months in a Young Offenders' Institution after he was caught with a 40cm zombie knife in a busy town centre in Great Yarmouth. The incident occurred on April 14, when Paya, who was with a group of two other men, was approached by a man who thought he recognised them. A confrontation ensued, and Paya drew the knife, causing the others to run away. Paya was arrested soon after and admitted to affray, as well as two breaches of a suspended sentence order.

Key Takeaways:

  • Zak Paya was sentenced to 30 months in a Young Offenders' Institution for waving a 40cm zombie knife in public.
  • The incident occurred on April 14, when Paya, 19, was approached by a man who thought he recognised him and his group.
  • Paya drew the knife and ran towards the group, causing them to run away, and was arrested soon afterwards.
  • Paya admitted to affray, as well as two breaches of a suspended sentence order.
  • One of the female victims suffered a breakdown, was anxious, and had sleep problems, and now has to go out with her mother rather than on her own.
  • Judge Katharine Moore warned Paya that "when knives are produced, knives are used, and when knives are used, lives are lost."
  • Paya's mitigating lawyer, Ian James, said that Paya had been aware of people following him and had "put two and two together and come up with five."

Statistics:

  • 30 months: the length of Zak Paya's sentence in a Young Offenders' Institution.
  • 19: the age of Zak Paya at the time of the incident.
  • 40cm: the length of the zombie knife wielded by Paya.
  • 14: the date of the incident, April 14.
  • 2: the number of breaches of a suspended sentence order that Paya admitted to.
  • 1: the number of female victim who suffered a breakdown and sleep problems as a result of the incident.

Sources:

  • Newsquest
  • Norfolk Constabulary