A MAN who brought a knife into hospital has been given a chance.

Ian Beckett, 55, has been sentenced after admitting to bringing a blade to Leighton Hospital.

Judge Patrick Thompson described the circumstances around the offence as 'slightly unusual' before handing Beckett a two-year community order.

“You’ve got to understand that it's not acceptable to be carrying knives in a public place. It always goes wrong,” said Judge Thompson.

“As a constable once told me, a knife is always loaded. We see on a daily basis the tragedies that knives bring.”

Beckett committed the offence on October 4 last year and pleaded guilty immediately.

He has been in custody ever since, appearing at Chester Crown Court for sentencing on Friday (January 19).

Taking this into account, and considering his lack of previous convictions and difficulties with mental health, Judge Thompson decided not to send Beckett to prison.

He said: “You’re not a man who’s got a history of that sort of thing so that’s why I'm giving you a chance today.

“There was no reason for you to be carrying a knife.

“You’ve asked for a chance. You’ve been given a chance. You must take it.”

Beckett, now of no fixed abode but formerly of Peter Street in Macclesfield, was handed a two-year community order.

As part of this, he must complete six months of mental health treatment and 45 days of rehabilitation activity.

He will also be given assistance in securing emergency accommodation, which may be in Northwich, Chester or Ellesmere Port.

Meanwhile, the knife will be seized and destroyed.

Beckett must also pay a surcharge of £114.