A TRAINEE carpenter who imported “lethal” flick knives into the country claimed he wanted to put them on display because they resembled Wolverine’s claws.

Levi Rhule, 21, said he ordered two 14cm retractable knives on a reputable website in ignorance of the laws prohibiting the importation of such weapons.

Ipswich Crown Court heard after the package was intercepted by Border Force officers and the Royal Mail, he was arrested.

Rhule, of St Marys Fields, Colchester, answered “no comment” to questions in police interview, though he later admitted importing prohibited weapons.

He admitted the charge on the basis he had no intent to do so, denying knowledge of the law.

The court heard Rhule has two previous convictions for possessing an offensive weapon, both committed when he was 16-years-old.

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In mitigation, the court heard he “now understands” the implications of importing the weapons and had remained out of trouble since his previous offences.

Rhule was described as a hard-working and “diligent’ young man, who has achieved qualifications in carpentry and is working towards an apprenticeship.

In a letter to the judge, he said he had “no idea he may have done something wrong” when he ordered the knives from a well-known online retailer.

He said he had received legal advice telling him it was not illegal to possess the knives at home, adding he “will never again take for granted” the dangers of ordering items online.

“I’m aware of the error I made, this is an error I will never repeat,” he said.

“When I placed the order I never released I would end up in court.”

Judge Emma Peters said: “Week in, week out we see the impact of knife crime on the streets of this county and country.

“Young people, particularly young men, get hold of knives and they cause havoc, they cause injury and they cause death with those knives.”

“That’s why the courts take such a serious view to who commit knife offences.”

She said Rhule had claimed he wanted to display the knives because of their resemblance to Wolverine’s claws.

“I’m no expert, but they just look like flick knives to me,” she said.

Wolverine is a popular superhero character known for his long, retractable claws.

Judge Peters said: “These knives are particularly dangerous on the streets, as all it takes is one press and then suddenly a lethal weapon is in someone’s hands.”

But she accepted Rhule had remained out of trouble since his teenage years and was serious about pursuing an honest career.

He was sentenced to six months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, ordered to carry out 160 hours of unpaid work and must complete a 25-day rehabilitation activity requirement.

He must pay £300 in prosecution costs.