It is important for public confidence in the criminal justice system that the person caught in possession of a knife or offensive weapon without reasonable excuse should normally be brought before the courts and prosecuted.
Here a stay will be granted where the court concludes that in all the circumstances a trial will offend the court's sense of justice and propriety... or will undermine public confidence in the criminal justice system and bring it into disrepute...»
«Over 90 % of all criminal cases begin and end in the magistrates» courts; it is vital that public confidence in the criminal justice system is not placed at risk.