Out of more than 4,000 adults caught carrying a knife or offensive weapon for at least the second time, nearly four in 10 were spared an immediate jail sentence.
The Police Federation of England and Wales accused judges and magistrates of sentencing on knee-jerk reactions driven by budget and a lack of prison places.
Almost 45 per cent of murders in the same period involved a knife or sharp instrument.
Hayley Ryall expressed concern over lenient sentences, stating, 'Too many people are carrying knives, and until tougher sentences are given, what message are we sending out?'
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