Brecon teenager sent friend Snapchat with carving knife

Tayla Davies, of Newmarch Street, Brecon, was stopped by police in the spring of this year, after she told a friend she intended to take the 20cm blade to a confrontation with another person in the town.

The 19-year-old had previously admitted a charge of possessing a bladed article in a public place when she appeared before magistrates last month.

At Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court today (Wednesday, November 27), the court was told how Davies had sent a video to her friend using social media app Snapchat.

In the clip she had shown her friend the knife, saying she would use it on the victim if they did not own up to accusations she was making.

Her friend then called the police, which led to them tracking her down with the victim close by.

Following her arrest, Davies, who was 18 at the time of the offence, said she carried the knife at night because she was scared and denied saying she intended to hurt anyone.

Ross McQuillan-Johnson, defending Davies, told the court his client was sorry for her actions and would not be appearing before them in the future.

Judge Jeremy Jenkins told Davies she had "overreacted" but he understood she wanted "closure" over the issue.

He said: "You did something very foolish which could have resulted in far more serious consequences."

He added that he understood her reasons for wanting to confront the victim, but added: "You went about it completely the wrong way; I think you realise that now.

"I am quite satisfied that you have learnt your lesson and we will never see you in court again.

"Taking a knife into a public place is a most prevalent and serious thing, and could have so easily got out of hand with unintended consequences. Luckily, they did not happen on this particular day."

Davies received a 12-month community order and will undertake 10 rehabilitation days, along with a mental health treatment requirement.

She must also pay £150 court costs.