URGENT UPDATE: A man has been fined $500 after police discovered a folding knife in his pocket during an arrest on May 8, 2025. Robert Betkowski, 31, of Dalton Street, claimed he carried the knife for self-defense, but authorities were not swayed by his explanation.
The incident unfolded around 12:15 PM on Peisley Street, when police arrested Betkowski for an unrelated matter. A subsequent search revealed a brown and silver folding knife tucked away in his left pants pocket. Despite knowing that carrying a knife in public is illegal, Betkowski stated that he intended to use it for protection.
During his appearance at Orange Local Court on July 17, 2025, Betkowski pleaded guilty to the offense. His solicitor, Georgia Campbell, noted that this conviction marked his first for possessing a knife, despite him being subject to good behavior orders for previous offenses.
Magistrate Gary Wilson issued a stern warning to Betkowski regarding the seriousness of knife possession laws. “Laws in relation to knives have changed for a good reason,” Wilson stated. He emphasized that a repeat offense would lead to incarceration, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
Police confiscated the knife during the arrest and transported Betkowski to Orange Police Station. The legal ramifications of this incident serve as a reminder of the strict regulations around weapon possession in public.
As communities continue to grapple with safety concerns, this case highlights the ongoing dialogue about self-defense and the laws governing it. The implications of this ruling may resonate beyond Betkowski’s immediate circumstances, affecting how similar cases are approached in the future.
Stay tuned for further developments in this case and others like it as authorities reinforce their commitment to public safety.
