A MAN who was caught in a children's park with a knife has been sentenced by a judge.

Darren John Quinn, 34, of Vulcans Lane, Workington was seen by a police officer in Annie Pit Park, Workington lying on a bench.

The officer could, from a distance, see a shiny object on the floor next to him. When Quinn was approached the officer could see that it was, in fact, a knife.

Prosecutor Beth Pilling told the court that when asked why he had it he swore and threw it away.

The court heard how the incident happened in March, during the lockdown period and Quinn had pleaded guilty at the first opportunity.

Recorder Ciaran Rankin imposed a 12 month conditional discharge as well as ordering forfeiture and destruction of the knife.

Record Rankin said: "You have an interest in knives and this found its way into your bag. You have now lost your good character."