diff --git a/lib/gradelib.php b/lib/gradelib.php
index 57eb5f009aa..53a3a31f0e7 100644
--- a/lib/gradelib.php
+++ b/lib/gradelib.php
@@ -131,8 +131,7 @@ function grade_update($source, $courseid, $itemtype, $itemmodule, $iteminstance,
 
     } else {
         if ($grade_item->is_locked()) {
-            $message = get_string('gradeitemislocked', 'grades', $grade_item->itemname);
-            notice($message);
+            // no notice() here, test returned value instead!
             return GRADE_UPDATE_ITEM_LOCKED;
         }