Carl Robinson, 49, a gangster associated with the 'Hunt Syndicate,' has avoided jail time for possessing three knives, including a karambit and two flick knives, found in his home. The sentence was suspended due to current UK laws aimed at easing prison overcrowding, which mandate that jail terms of 12 months or less must be suspended unless there are exceptional circumstances.
Robinson was arrested in September during a major police operation involving approximately 800 officers raiding 24 properties across London, Essex, Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Suffolk. The operation targeted the 'Hunt Syndicate,' a criminal network linked to suspected crime boss David 'Long Fella' Hunt. Investigations are looking into finance offenses such as tax evasion and money laundering, as well as a conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm.
During a search of Robinson's £1 million-plus home on September 29, officers discovered the knives in a kitchen drawer. Robinson pleaded guilty to three counts of possessing offensive weapons at Westminster Magistrates' Court on October 1. A sentencing hearing on Monday revealed his extensive criminal history, including multiple convictions for possessing offensive weapons and bladed articles, dating back to 1997.
Despite a judge imposing a 48-week jail term, which was reduced from an initial starting point of 24 weeks per offense due to his guilty pleas and bad record, the sentence was suspended for 18 months. This suspension is a direct result of the new sentencing regime designed to alleviate pressure on the prison system. Robinson will only face jail if he commits further offenses within the suspension period.
In addition to the suspended sentence, Robinson was ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work and pay £272 in costs. He and 17 other individuals remain on police bail in connection with the wider investigation. Separately, three other suspects have been charged with unconnected offenses following the September raids, including weapons possession and wounding with intent to resist arrest.