Maximum knife sentencing doubles

Some of the knives collected during an amnesty in NI

Tough measures to reduce knife crime are set to be introduced in Northern Ireland, under a proposed new law.

The sentence for anyone caught carrying a blade will double from two years to four.

The government is also looking into a licensing scheme to regulate the sale of knives.

Criminal Justice Minister Paul Goggins said the powers "cover any implement that has a blade or point or that may be deemed as an offensive weapon".

He said public protection was the government's top priority.

The government is also examining how to develop a code of practice on the sale of knives, and it is looking at other items like Samurai swords which may be added to the list of offensive weapons.

The legislative proposals being announced on Thursday would mean a maximum four-year sentence for the following offences:

• Having a knife in a public place or on school premises;
• Possession of an offensive weapon;
• Selling a knife to a person under the age of 18;
• Manufacture or sale of certain knives (flick or gravity knives);
• Unlawful marketing and publications connected with the marketing of knives;
• Manufacture or sale of a flick knife or gravity knife;
• Sale or possession of a crossbow to someone under the age of 18.