POLICE delivering food parcels during the Covid-19 crisis had their attention drawn to a man outside a community centre.

Blackburn magistrates heard Stefhan Golec appeared to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

When he was asked if he had anything illegal before he was searched, he produced a knife from his waistband.

Golec, 38, of Accrington Road, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to possessing a knife in a public place. He was remanded on bail for the preparation of a pre-sentence report.

Sajeeda Ismail, prosecuting, said the officers were delivering food parcels as part of the pandemic effort to support the community. At about 8.50 pm on May 20 they were at a community centre on Accrington Road when Golec was pointed out to them.

She said the officers were going to carry out a drugs search and asked if he was in possession of anything else.

“He produced the knife and they told him to put it on the floor and step back, which he did. “He said he had it for protection.”

Miss Ismail said Golec had a previous conviction for possessing a bladed article.

Vaqas Yakub, defending, said Golec had the knife for personal protection having been assaulted four days earlier.