Of courseJohn if he had been stop and searched befor the incident he could have been charged with possesion of an offensive weapon (although perhaps as a butcher he might have reasonable excuse if he said he was taking "his tool" home to sharpen for example but if he said it was for "self defence"instant nick)its only the police who can carry weapons although there is no statute that "allows" this only an unwritten agreement Ive had my guys asked so is that 3 cell maglight in case you get attacked "no officer its a torch"