Hannah Bell denies having illegal butterfly knife in Thatcham

A WOMAN is to go on trial for allegedly having a butterfly knife, or balisong, in public.

Hannah Bell appeared in the dock at Reading Magistrates’ Court on Monday, September 9.

The 21-year-old, of Urquhart Road, Thatcham, is charged with possessing the bladed article in public without lawful excuse in Urquhart Road on Saturday, September 7.

It is illegal to import, sell, hire, lend or give anyone a butterfly knife – a type of folding knife with a concealed blade that originated in the Phillipines – in the UK.

Ms Bell, who was legally represented at the hearing, spoke only to confirm her details and to plead not guilty to the single charge.

She was told the case could proceed no further that day and would be adjourned for a trial to be arranged.

Ms Bell was meanwhile released on unconditional bail.