A 26-year-old man who was found to be carrying a knife in his bag when searched told police he had it because he was going to cook a meal for his friend and had forgotten it was in his bag.

Ryan Patrick Tolan, of Millbrook Gardens, Castlederg was found guilty of possessing an article with a blade or point in a public place, namely Featherbed Glade, Enniskillen.

Two other charges on burglary with intent to steal and receiving stolen goods were withdrawn as the Public Prosecution Service were not offering any evidence in relation to them.

The court heard on September 20, 2017 police were called to an incident and as a result of this they had reason to conduct a search of the defendant.

During this search they discovered a knife in the inside pocket of his bag.

When interviewed, Tolan told officers that the knife was a chef’s knife and he had it as he was going to cook a meal in his house for his friend who was with him at the time and he had forgot the knife was in the pocket.

Ciaran Roddy, defence barrister, told the court his client was familiar with authorities and forgetting the knife was in his bag was not a good enough reason to use.

He said Tolan had armed himself with a litany of Cheffing qualifications however he was not working as a chef at the minute due to some personal difficulties.

Mr. Roddy added that the 26 year old was before the court for the first time for an offence of this nature and has not given the court too much trouble.

He asked for the court to give Tolan credit for his guilty plea.

District Judge Michael Ranaghan told Tolan it was a “stupid thing to do” carrying the knife but said it was still a public liability offence, fining the 26 year old £200 and ordering the knife to be destroyed.