Northampton clubber sentenced for assault after causing himself and a police officer to fall down gasworks hole

Devante Dasent 19, of Spencer Road Northampton, has been sentenced eight months, suspended for two years for carrying a bladed article and resisting a police officer, Northampton Crown Court heard yesterday.

On Saturday, March 11, 2017, Dasent had been on a night out in Bridge Street and at about 3.30am he was stood outside of the nightclub after being removed by police.

But he suddenly ran off and police officers gave chase.

Having been quickly caught, a "struggle" ensued and both Dasent and an officer fell into a four-foot hole dug out by a gas company.

CS gas was then used to restrain Dasent and he was detained by officers, who found a two-inch lock knife.

Bethany Condron, defending, said: "Mr Dasent pleaded guilty at first instance. He does not want to excuse carrying a knife in any way.

"He told me he carried this knife due to safety.

"He did not intend for any officer to get hurt and he regrets falling into that hole.

"He has no intention of carrying a knife and understands the problem of carrying a knife."

In 2014 when Dasent was 17 years old, his father was killed by a single blow one evening in Northampton, which "devastated the family."

Dasent was also stabbed in 2016 and received 10 stitches to his hand and five stitches to his knee.

Sentencing, Recorder Tickle said if there was any evidence of the knife being open or Dasent brandishing the knife there would have been more of a serious imprisonment sentence.

He said: "People can't go around carrying knives for safety because they get used - why else would you carry it?

"You have no previous convictions, I don't expect to see you in court again."

Dasent was sentenced to eight months' imprisonment, suspended for two years for the bladed article.

He was also sentenced to one month concurrent, suspended for two years for resisting a police officer.

He will also undertake a 30-day rehabilitation activity requirement and will be made to do 100 hours of unpaid work as well as paying a victim surcharge of £140.