A Chippenham man will stand trial over an allegation he imported a zombie knife into the UK.
Appearing before Swindon Magistrates’ Court, Nigel Webb, 31, of Ladyfield Road, Chippenham, pleaded not guilty to a single charge of importing a prohibited weapon with intent to evade restrictions. It is dated May 19, 2019.
Prosecutor Emma Charleton said the knife, which had smooth and serrated edges and the brand name “Defender Xtreme” written on it, was seized by Royal Mail and handed to the police before it could be delivered to Webb.
Magistrates bailed Webb for the trial on September 14.
The legal definition of a zombie knife is of a blade with a cutting and serrated edge with words or pictures that suggest the knife is to be used for violence.
The sale, production or importation of the knives was outlawed in 2016 after increasing numbers of reports from police that the collectors' items were being used by criminals.
Minister for Vulnerability, Safeguarding and Countering Extremism, Sarah Newton, said at the time: "Zombie killer knives glamorise violence and cause devastating damage - they have no place whatsoever in our society."
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