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New Legislation Banning All Zombie-Style Knives Set to be Introduced

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From 24th September 2024, a change to the Criminal Justice Act 1988 will extend the current law, making possessing all forms of zombie-style knives and machetes in the UK illegal. This is an extension of the current ban on zombie knives, widening the definition of ‘zombie knife’ to close a loophole which was being exploited by many.

Before this ban comes into effect, an amnesty scheme has been set up. Under this scheme, anyone who currently owns a zombie-style knife can hand it into a police station without being prosecuted.

Being found guilty of possession of an offensive weapon, like a zombie knife, is a very serious offence and can lead to prison sentences in some instances. It is important to understand how this change in legislation will work and what the consequences may be for anyone found to be in possession of a zombie-style knife after the amnesty period ends.

What is a zombie-style knife?

The ban on zombie-style knives will be extended to cover all weapons with the following characteristics:

  • a plain cutting edge
  • a sharp pointed end
  • a blade of over eight inches long, in addition to;
  • at least one of the following:
    • a serrated cutting edge over two inches long
    • more than one hole in the blade
    • spikes
    • more than two sharp points in the blade.

Under the current law, zombie-style knives must also feature images or words (whether on the blade or handle) that suggest that it is to be used for the purpose of violence. This requirement is thus being removed by the new change in the law.

Why is the ban on zombie-style knives being extended?

The reason for the update in legislation essentially lies in a legal loophole created by the existing definition of a zombie knife.

The current requirement that zombie knives feature violent images and/or words, as our Senior Partner Umar Zeb told the i: “has effectively been used as a loophole whereby many of the exact same weapons could be kept and sold by simply removing pictures and words relating to violence”.

While various attempts have been made to restrict access to knives and other weapons (including zombie-style knives), such as the new Online Safety Act 2023, acquiring zombie knives and other weapons via the internet has remained possible. 

Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson has said that the ban was the first step in the government's plan to halve knife crime in a decade.

What does the amnesty scheme involve?

Under the amnesty scheme, anyone in possession of a zombie-style knife can hand it in to their nearest designated police station. Compensation may be available for handing in a zombie-style knife, with the standard amount being £10.

For claims for individual items that are worth more than £10, acceptable evidence (such as a purchase receipt) will need to be provided. Claims for compensation need to be made at the same time as surrendering the weapon.

What will the ban on zombie-style knives mean moving forward?

The ban on zombie-style weapons will cover the manufacture, supply, sale, possession, and importation of these types of weapons, in both public and private places.

What are the sentencing guidelines for possessing a zombie-style knife?

The maximum sentence on conviction for an adult carrying a zombie-style knife is 4 years imprisonment and an unlimited fine.

If you are over 18 and are found to have been threatening someone with a knife or have been caught repeatedly carrying a knife, you will face a minimum sentence of six months in prison.

The minimum sentence for anyone aged 16-17 is a four-month detention and training order.

What should you do if you are accused of possessing a zombie-style knife?

After the 24th September, it will be a criminal offence to be in possession of any zombie-style knife. If you are accused of possessing a zombie-style knife, or any other type of illegal knife, it is vital that you have expert legal advice and representation on your side.

At JD Spicer Zeb, our criminal defence solicitors have over 45 years of experience in representing individuals accused of a wide range of criminal offences, including knife and firearm offences. We are well-placed to offer tailored support to help you achieve a positive outcome for your case, helping you avoid charges, or have a sentence lowered if you are unable to avoid conviction.

We are highly skilled at dealing with the various forms of evidence that are relied on in these types of cases, meaning we have all of the necessary tools to build a strong defence case and identify any flaws in the case against you.

We have been accredited by the Law Society for Criminal Litigation. This, along with our extensive experience, means that we can demonstrate a strong track record of previous success. Over the years, we have also established strong relationships with many of the country’s leading criminal defence barristers.

If you face an accusation related to possessing a zombie-style knife, our team will be able to provide you with the support you need.

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Legal aid may be available for your case, depending on whether it passes a means test and whether the grant of public funding is justified.

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Contact our criminal defence lawyers today

Please do not hesitate to contact us for a free initial consultation, urgent specialist advice, or immediate representation, or to speak to us confidentially about an arrest or charges related to possession of a zombie-style knife.

You can contact our dedicated criminal defence lawyers in London, Birmingham, and Manchester by telephone on:

Or email: solicitors@jdspicer.co.uk

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Common questions

We always work with the most experienced and best leading UK barristers, KCs (Kings Counsel). We cover all criminal cases 24/7 at the police station and court. Offices in London, Birmingham, and Manchester cover cases across England and Wales. We can offer Legal Aid and affordable Private fee agreements. We can see you the same day, including virtually. Our Senior Partners supervise all of our cases.

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We respond quickly even during out of hours. We do not get our work by paying for online adverts but based on the fact that few criminal law firms can match our 45 years of experience. Most of our cases are still from word-of-mouth recommendations from satisfied clients. We are called daily by dissatisfied clients from firms with less experience than us. We respond very quickly to new enquiries. We know what clients seek and so we update clients rapidly.

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Yes, read about the recent cases we've helped our clients with here.

We always keep you updated and give straightforward advice. We will get cases dropped early where the case is weak or should not be prosecuted. We will be upfront with you about where you can benefit from a good result with an early guilty plea, such as a discount on your sentence. As we work on cases across all levels with clients from all walks of life, we are excellent at giving clear, spot-on advice. As an established firm, we can allocate a whole team to your case often at short notice to secure evidence to minimise the damage to you. 

Have you won any awards?

OUR PROFESSIONAL BODY THE LAW SOCIETY AWARDED US IN OCTOBER 2020 WITH THE EXCELLENCE IN CLIENT SERVICE AWARD AND STATED - 

"JD Spicer Zeb demonstrated a clear commitment to client service through their work with vulnerable and diverse individuals in what can be severely traumatic circumstances".

Do you offer free consultations?

Where it is possible, we aim to provide an initial consultation to you. If we can speak to you, we can if required inform you about  –

  • Whether we can take the case on and our relevant experience.
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  • Assistance in applying for legal aid where we are likely to accept instructions.
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  • This consultation will normally be by telephone or email and will only be for as long as we deem necessary to establish if we can act for you. If we cannot usefully give you any advice in this manner then we will not continue with the consultation. We will not discuss the case in depth for you to be able to decide on your plea or any significant aspect of the case, as this cannot be undertaken informally.
  • Referring you, if possible, to other firms for matters out of our specialism or if we cannot help.

Consultations do not apply to the following cases –

  • If we do not intend to take the case on.
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  • The case is too complicated to assess or raises various charges or facts, complexity, or history to be considered informally or in a short consultation.
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