24-03-2025
College ramps up security measures after teen takes machete to campus
A COLLEGE has put extra security measures in place after a teenager from Bradford took a machete onto campus.
Nicholas Wojciechowski, 18, of Brafferton Arbor, in Buttershaw, appeared at Leeds Magistrates' Court on March 5.
He pleaded guilty to possessing an offensive weapon on school/further education premises.
Wojciechowski was caught with a machete at the Somerville House building, in Leathley Road, which is part of Leeds City College, on February 10 this year.
Bill Jones, executive principal at Leeds City College, said Wojciechowski was escorted off the campus and 'immediately suspended'.
Somerville House is near the college's Printworks Campus.
It provides "a diverse range of amenities, tailored for learners aged 16 to 24 who are keen on enhancing their personal development and employability skills alongside English and maths", according to the Leeds City College website.
The building features dedicated spaces for projects and events, social hubs, and café facilities.
Somerville House, in Leathley Road, which is part of Leeds City College (Image: Google Street View) Wojciechowski escaped an immediate custodial sentence for the offence.
He was handed 12 months in a Young Offenders Institution, which was suspended for two years, by the court.
The teenager was excluded from Leeds City College after the police investigation.
Mr Jones said: 'Keeping our students and staff safe is our number one priority.
'As soon as we were made aware of the situation, Nicholas Wojciechowski was immediately suspended and escorted off campus.
'Following a police investigation, he was excluded from college.
'We take safeguarding extremely seriously and our staff acted swiftly and appropriately to ensure the safety of the campus community.
'As a result of this, further security measures are now in place and a number of student sessions are planned to raise awareness of knife crime-related issues.'
The court also ordered Wojciechowski to carry out 300 hours of unpaid work within the next year and to complete up to 30 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days.
An order was made to deprive the defendant of the machete.
He must pay costs of £385 to the Crown Prosecution Service as well as a surcharge of £187 to fund victim services.
Wojciechowski was also originally charged with possession of an offensive weapon in a private place, in relation to a zombie knife at his home, but this was withdrawn.
