A teenager from Barking who waved around a large hunting knife during a row in a shopping centre in Romford has been jailed.
Arkeem Cabey, 18, of Meadow Close, pulled out the knife and threatened to attack another man in front of terrified shoppers inside The Brewery on April 29 this year.
He ran off as police arrived and threw away the knife but he was arrested and the blade was recovered by officers.
Cabey admitted the knife belonged to him claiming he carried it for protection, but during his police interview he refused to say anymore.
Compelling CCTV image captured Cabey speaking to another man on the first floor of the shopping centre, before pulling out the knife and walking into McDonald’s looking for him while shoppers fled in terror.
Last week at Snaresbrook Crown Court he admitted threatening a person with a blade in a public place and today he was jailed for 18 months.
Acting Det Insp Dean Grafton, investigating officer, said: “Cabey’s actions, which took place in a public place where numerous families with children were enjoying an evening out, were utterly abhorrent.
“Armed with a large knife, he pursued his victim for a sustained period of time showing absolutely no regard for the safety and wellbeing of those around him.
“Knife crime will not be tolerated and thanks to the swift actions of officers from Romford Town Centre, an off duty officer and members of the public, Cabey was arrested. Good work during the subsequent investigation by the CID ensured Cabey was made to face the consequences of his actions.”
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