A MAN who was removed by police from the Irish Democratic League Club in Haslingden was found to have a knife in his rucksack.

Blackburn magistrates heard the blade was at the bottom of his bag and had not been produced but the offence still put him breach of the knife law which recommends a minimum sentence of six months in prison for a second offence.

Holden, 56, of Westmorland Avenue, Blackpool, pleaded guilty to being drunk and disorderly and possessing a knife in public.

He was remanded on bail for the preparation of a pre-sentence report.

Tracy Yates, prosecuting, said police were called to the club at 11.40pm because Holden was behaving aggressively and refusing to leave.

He was escorted from the club where he became abusive and aggressive and was arrested for being drunk and disorderly.

Mrs Yates said a second knife offence carried a minimum sentence of six months unless the court was of the opinion there were particular circumstances which made it unjust to do so.

Catherine Fell, defending, said the first conviction for possessing a knife was over 14 years old.

"The knife was in his bag and was only discovered while he was in custody," said Miss Fell.