A TEENAGER found carrying a machete in West Drayton has escaped without punishment and has been referred to a youth offending panel.

The 16-year-old, from Elm Farm Caravan Park, in Chertsey, appeared at Uxbridge Magistrates Court on Monday (7).

He admitted carrying the weapon on February 6 at Station Road, West Drayton.

The court made the decision to refer him to Woking youth offending team, to sign up to a behaviour contract for four months, attending meetings.

A 42-year-old man found carrying a machete and a knuckle duster in the same road on the same date is waiting to hear his fate after also pleading guilty.

John Henry Smith, also of Elm Farm Caravan Park, Chertsey, was given conditional bail, and is to be sentenced on Monday March 14.

Are sentences tough enough? E-mail editorialuxbridge@trinitysouth.co.uk with your views