Knife Threat at Family Festival Lands Man Behind Bars
A dad’s day out turned deadly at an Oxford music festival. Christopher Debanks, 39, from Furlong Close, now faces 18 months inside after waving a knife at a child at Blackbird Leys Park on August 3, 2024.
Kids Left Shaking After Knife Scare
At the family-friendly event, Debanks singled out a group of kids and brandished a blade to threaten one. The terrified children quickly told an adult who wasted no time calling the cops. Police swooped in two days later, arresting Debanks on August 5.
Oxford Crown Court Delivers Swift Justice
Last Wednesday (Jan 28), Debanks pleaded guilty to knife possession, affray, and failing to turn up to court. The judge handed down an 18-month sentence for his reckless, chilling behaviour.
Police Praise Victims’ Bravery, Urge Public to Stay Alert
“I would like to commend the victims and witnesses in this case who bravely came forward to report these offences. Without them, we would not have been able to bring this offender to justice,” said Sergeant Louise Marsh from Oxford South East’s Neighbourhood Policing Team.
“We are committed to tackling knife crime and encourage the community to report any offending. Contact us at your local station, via our website, or by calling 101.”
