A mum who told police she was carrying steak knives has been convicted of possessing a blade.

Police were in the process of arresting Katherine Banks, 50, for an unrelated matter when they started to search her bag.

Banks told the arresting officers: "I've got two steak knives. My daughter gave them to me, there's nothing offensive.

"Well there could be I suppose."

Banks was arrested at Brenchley Gardens, Maidstone in April and taken into custody.

The trial at Maidstone Magistrates Court faced a short delay as Banks failed to show.

The court heard she had arrived in the morning and asked for an adjournment, but failed to show for her trial in the afternoon.

Anna Kachingwe, prosecuting, told the trial Banks gave police a no comment interview.

Ms Kachingwe said: "Banks answered no comment to all questions. When asked about the statement she made to police 'I've got two steak knives, my daughter gave them to me,' she answered no comment."

Banks' daughter was set to appear as a witness at the trial, but did not appear.

Deputy district judge Andrew Johnson described Banks' claim as "unsubstantiated."

He said: "It's for a defendant to persuade the court, on the balance of probability, that they have good reason for the possession of a blade or sharp pointed article.

"Mrs Banks is at a significant disadvantage as she's not present before the court.

"I find she acted without good reason."

Dep dist judge Johnson found Banks, of Regent Close, Maidstone, guilty of possessing a blade or sharp pointed article in a public place and issued a warrant without bail.

Weeks before Banks' arrest, Kent Police set up a knife bar to cut down on crime in the area.

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