A VAN driver was caught with a machete, axes and balaclavas after police were alerted to a gang breaking into a vehicle.

Liverpool Crown Court heard there was ‘no suggestion’ that Jan Kanu was part of this gang after being stopped by police, but he was prosecuted over possessing the potentially ‘deadly weapons’.

The 34-year-old admitted three charges of possessing a bladed article in a public place, as well as breaching a suspended sentence.

Opening the prosecution case, Iain Criddle told the court that the circumstances of the offending were ‘a little unusual’.

At around 11.30pm on November 14 last year, Cheshire Police officers stopped a white van owned and being driven by the defendant, with a passenger also in the vehicle.

This came after a member of the public reported to the police that they had seen a gang of people trying to break into a van in the town.

The attempted break-in was captured on CCTV, however the court heard that this was of such a poor quality that it was ‘impossible’ to identify anyone involved.

When the defendant was stopped in Warrington, the location of which was not disclosed in court, various items were recovered from the back.

These included a curved machete with an orange handle, a 12” black axe with a blade at one end and a hammerhead at the other, and another more traditional axe measuring around 16” with a wooden handle.

Posting on social media at the time, Cheshire Police said: “These seemingly innocent tools can become deadly weapons in the wrong hands.”

Officers also recovered gloves, a crowbar, balaclavas and registration plates – but the court heard that there was ‘no suggestion’ Kanu was part of the break-in group.

Mr Criddle confirmed that the passenger of the van was not prosecuted, and the only matters brought to court were for possessing the three bladed articles.

Kanu was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court

Kanu was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court

Kanu was arrested and interviewed by police officers, where he answered ‘no comment’ to all questions put to him.

The court heard how he has 10 previous convictions for 17 offences, dating as far back as 2013, although nothing for possessing weapons.

His most recent was a suspended sentence in August 2022 for producing cannabis and possessing it with intent to supply.

This was extended following a failure to attend unpaid work appointments, meaning the blade offences were committed during its operation, placing him in breach of the order.

Mitigating on behalf of Kanu, Carmel Wilde highlighted how her client should be afforded full credit for his guilty pleas at the first opportunity.

She said his offending coincided with the death of a close relative, while he is now receiving therapy, has been diagnosed with ADHD and wants to set up his own catering business.

“All in all, your honour can reach a point to consider a suspended sentence. There is a realistic prospect of rehabilitation,” she added.

“There is some hope for this young man who is trying to better himself.”

Kanu, of Belvidere Road in Liverpool, was sentenced by recorder Gavin McBride to six months in prison suspended for 18 months.

During this time, he must complete 31 rehabilitation activity requirement days, the Thinking Skills programme and 120 hours of unpaid work.

The court also approved an order to deprive the defendant of the items seized by police.