Temporary Chief Constable David Sandall, off duty at the time, chased and detained a 17-year-old who produced a "Rambo"-style knife during a junior football match in Burbage on 22 March. Two 17-year-olds pleaded guilty at Leicester Youth Court; the knife carrier received a 12-month youth referral order, a 12-month restraining order, a deprivation order for the weapon and fines. Sandall thanked members of the public who helped and said no one was more seriously injured. Detective Constable Joe Elliott warned that past disputes are not a reason to carry knives.
Temporary Chief Constable Chases and Detains Teen Who Produced Knife On Football Pitch
Temporary Chief Constable David Sandall was near to a football match when a teenager brought a knife on to the pitch [Leicestershire Police]
Temporary Chief Constable David Sandall, off duty at the time, pursued and detained a teenager who produced a "Rambo"-style knife during an on-field incident at a junior football match in Burbage on 22 March.
Incident and Arrest
Towards the end of the match, police say a 17-year-old player was approached by an opponent and slapped, leaving him with a cut lip and facial swelling. Another 17-year-old then ran onto the pitch and produced a large folding knife, which he swung in the victim's direction.
Sandall, who was nearby, ran onto the pitch, identified himself as a police officer and ordered the youth to drop the weapon. He chased the suspect with help from members of the public — including his father, a retired police officer — while calling the incident into the control room. The suspect dropped the larger knife nearby and was later found to be carrying a smaller knife as well. Sandall arrested him at the scene.
Court Outcome
At Leicester Youth Court, both 17-year-olds pleaded guilty to offences related to the incident. One youth (unnamed because of his age) pleaded guilty to threatening a person with an offensive weapon in a public place; the second pleaded guilty to common assault by beating.
Sandall (pictured) pursued the suspect with other members of the public, including his father - a retired police officer [Leicestershire Police]
The youth who produced the knives was given a 12-month youth referral order and a 12-month restraining order. He was also subject to a deprivation order for the weapon and ordered to pay costs of £60 to the Crown Prosecution Service plus a £26 surcharge. The second defendant received a four-month youth referral order, a 12-month restraining order and was ordered to pay £25 compensation.
"Luckily no-one was more seriously injured," Sandall said. He described the episode as "a traumatic incident" for the victim and many witnesses — including children — and thanked members of the public who assisted on the day.
Police Comments and Context
Investigating officer Detective Constable Joe Elliott described the offence as "serious" and "entirely avoidable," adding that a previous falling out does not justify carrying a knife and that those who carry such weapons intend to use them.
Sandall, who became deputy chief constable in May 2022 and took up the role of temporary chief constable in April last year, said he hopes both youths receive the support and intervention they need.
Note: Both defendants are aged under 18 and cannot be named for legal reasons.
Help us improve.
