Basildon teenager found guilty of drugs and knife crimes

Charlie Baldwin faces sentencing after arrest at Eastgate Shopping Centre

Charlie Baldwin, 18, was arrested at Eastgate Shopping Centre
Author: Grace McGachyPublished 26th Jun 2026

An 18 year old from Basildon has been convicted of drugs and knife offences after he was arrested by plain clothes officers in the town centre.

Charlie Baldwin was apprehended at Eastgate Shopping Centre on the 22nd of June after police observed what appeared to be a drug transaction.

Guided by uniformed officers, Baldwin was stopped and searched.

During the search, officers found 20 wraps of cannabis, two cannabis grinders, and a large kitchen knife tucked into the waistband of Baldwin's trousers.

At a court hearing the following day, Baldwin was convicted of possession of a knife in a public place and possession with intent to supply cannabis.

He is due to be sentenced at Basildon Magistrates’ Court on 21 August.

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