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<p>The majority of machete owners use them for legitimate reasons such as gardening,
camping or agricultural use. It is an offence to sell any machete to a person who
is under the age of 18. In addition, possessing a machete in a public place without
lawful authority or good reason is also an offence with a maximum penalty of 4 years
imprisonment.</p><p>Where a machete is misused as a weapon, there are a range of offences
that the offender may be charged with, such as causing grievous bodily harm. These
can result in lengthy sentences, including life imprisonment in instances of murder.</p><p>We
continue to keep the legislation in this area under review.</p><p>In 2021 we banned
a whole range of knives weapons and firearms and existing legislation prohibits possession
of any machete or large knife in a public place without good reason. We are always
working with police to see what further action is needed to take deadly weapons off
the street.</p>
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