CUMBRIA’S crime commissioner has revealed fears over a rise in the number of knives and other weapons in Carlisle.

Richard Rhodes said people working with children and teenagers had told him there had been an increase in potentially lethal weapons in the city. 

Mr Rhodes also spoke about the Jordan Watson murder trial, where evidence had centred on killer knife fanatic George Thomson’s arsenal of weapons. 

Jordan’s killers are starting jail terms totaling 51 years following a Carlisle Crown Court trial. 

The teenager died after being attacked with a large knife. 

Mr Rhodes, who oversees the work of county police, told the News & Star he had gone to the top ranks of the force with his concerns. 

He said: “There has been an increase in the number of weapons and knives in Carlisle. 

“I have that from people who work with youngsters on the ground and the stuff in the Jordan Watson case.” 

Thomson’s personal weapons collection included dozens of swords and knives as well as axes. 

The trial got underway in January – the same month a worker was threatened with a knife during a robbery at a shop in Morton, Carlisle. 

Mr Rhodes said he had raised the issue of weapons with Cumbria’s current top police officer. 


Richard Rhodes “I have discussed it with the temporary chief constable [Michelle Skeer] and wish to pursue with her to see what they are going to do about it,” added Mr Rhodes. 

“There are too many of these things.” 

During the Jordan Watson trial, the jury were shown a collection of weapons that Thomson, 19, had amassed. 

They included numerous knives, swords, and at least one crossbow. 

Police found the weapons at his Upperby Road home in Carlisle after Jordan Watson was killed. 

Thomson is serving the longest sentence following the case – life with a 27-year minimum after being unanimously convicted of murder. 

Brahnn Finley, 19, of Furze Street, off London Road, Carlisle, was also unanimously convicted of murder. 

He received a life sentence and must serve at least 14 years in prison.

Daniel Johnston, 20, of Petteril Bank Road, Harraby, Carlisle, was convicted of manslaughter by a majority verdict. He was jailed for 10 years.