Anybody caught with an illegal bladed weapon in a public place could soon face a mandatory prison sentence it has been revealed ? as Government seeks to up the ante in the war against crime.

Attorney General and Government Senate Leader Larry Mussenden made the announcement in the Senate yesterday while addressing Opposition concerns that more needed to done in the aftermath of yet another disturbing and bloody gang clash over the weekend aboard the .

Ten days ago, Government announced proposed amendments to the Criminal Code which would have seen individuals found carrying bladed weapons in a public place fined up to $5,000 or imprisoned for a maximum of two years.

But speaking to last night, Mr. Mussenden said that the proposed fines are to be scrapped ? a move he claimed is designed to send a powerful message to those who continue to carry weapons.

?Recent events have shown that despite our earlier announcement, people continue to be going around the place armed,? he said.

?The outcry from the public after the violence over the weekend has been heard loud and clear by the Government and we have decided to get even tougher on those who think it is OK to move around in a public place with bladed weapons. Under the new proposals, anybody found and convicted of doing so will be going to jail.?