AN unemployed man was tackled by three other men at a York rugby club, after he threatened them with a knife.

Dean Alan Angell, of Cornlands Road, Acomb, was discovered with the Stanley knife by the steward of Acorn Rugby Club, in Thanet Road, Acomb, York, who had gone to check a disturbance in the foyer, York magistrates heard.

The 27-year-old father-of-two was holding out the blade in a threatening manner and refusing to leave the premises, said Emma Pearce, prosecuting.

The steward talked the defendant, who had been having a drink at the rugby league club, into the kitchen, as there were young children around, and was then joined by two other men, who tried to calm him down.

But minutes later Angell began "kicking-off" again, Miss Pearce told the court. The police had not yet arrived, so one of the men, Alexander Cowton, took matters into his own hands and managed to wrestle the knife from the defendant, despite him "resisting violently". Mr Cowton was then helped by the steward and the other man in getting control of the blade until police officers arrived.

"Clearly, it was a very distressing incident," Miss Pearce said.

The incident took place on the evening of Saturday, October 18, 2003. Angell had pleaded not guilty to the charges of possessing an offensive weapon and affray, but was later convicted following a trial.

Craig Sutcliffe, mitigating, said his client had not wanted to leave the rugby club because there were people outside wanting to talk to him and cause trouble.

He said there was no suggestion that Angell had used the knife or attempted to slash or cut anybody at the premises.

Mr Sutcliffe told the court his client expressed regret about his past troubles and was looking to get a full-time job.

The court heard Angell had a number of previous convictions, for drug possession, disruptive behaviour and a driving offence.

The magistrates gave him a 12-month community rehabilitation order and ordered him to serve 80 hours' community service.

He was banned from the Acorn club for 12 months and ordered to pay £300 court costs.

Updated: 08:48 Friday, January 28, 2005