A security guard was caught trying to walk into an arena with a knife – on the first day of his job.
Emmanuel Tamabang set off the metal detectors as he entered the Leeds First Direct Arena for the start of his shift.
He claimed that the weapon, described as a knuckle duster/ lock knife combination, was used for gardening and he'd forgotten to leave it at home.
The Longwood man was sacked from his job but spared jail by magistrates who, despite criticising the increasing level of knife crime, accepted that he made a genuine mistake.
The 37-year-old pleaded guilty to possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.
Toni McCann, prosecuting, said that at the time of the offence on May 11 Tamabang was employed by event security specialists Showsec.
She told Kirlees magistrates: “He walked through the metal detectors and the alarm sounded which showed he still had something metal on his person.
“He was asked and said he didn't have anything on him but the detector indicated something around the waist area.
“He was spoken to and said he had a gardening tool on his person.
“He took it from the front of his trousers and it's described as a knuckle duster/lock knife combo.”
The item was quite heavy and confiscated by staff while police were called.
In interview Tamabang, of Redwing Crescent, gave a few explanations as to why he had the weapon on him but ultimately stated that it was used for gardening.
Ian Whiteley, mitigating, said: “He accepts possession of the knife and states he was running late for work and it was his first day.
“Before arriving at work he realised he had a knife in his backpack and forgotten to take it out after going to his allotment the previous evening.
“He says he didn't have time to go back home and drop it off and didn't want to be late on his first day.
“He panicked and took the knife out of his bag and put it in his trouser pocket.
“He was late for work as a security member of staff. Why would he go to a stadium with a knife in his possession?”
Mr Whiteley said that Tamabang then felt embarrassed about admitting to having it within earshot of his colleagues.
He said that he had the knife in a pocket of his work trousers and not down them.
Mr Whiteley told magistrates: “He thought the knife would be returned to him at the end of the day.
“He was not expecting the manager to confront and dismiss him.”
The Huddersfield court was told that Tamabang has a degree in media and communications technology and is currently works in the community helping children coming out of care with housing issues.
Chairman of the bench Wayne Perriman told him: “Knife crime in this country is a very, very serious offence and would normally lead to you going to prison.
“The fact that you were a security officer at a public arena would compound that.
“However, you are clearly heavily involved in work for the community which is to your credit.
“We found your account to be credible and that it was a genuine mistake.”
Tamabang was sentenced to a community order with 30 rehabilitation activities and 120 hours of unpaid work.
He must pay £85 costs and £90 victim surcharge. The knife seized will be forfeited and destroyed.
