A MAN was seen slashing the tyres of his ex-brother-in-law’s car with a knife.

Blackburn magistrates heard that shortly afterwards he produced the knife when he confronted two teenagers riding their bikes on waste land.

And before he brandished that weapon one of the teenagers took a hammer off Jonathan Joseph Poole.

Poole, 30, of Manor Street, Accrington, pleaded guilty to possessing a knife in Lodge Street, causing £200 worth of damage to three tyres belonging to Liam Hall and using threatening behaviour.

He was committed on bail to Burnley Crown Court to be sentenced on September 3. A charge of attempting to steal a pedal cycle was withdrawn.

Alex Mann, prosecuting, said Mr Hall saw his former brother-in-law slashing his tyres.

Shortly afterwards two teenagers were riding their bikes on land off Manchester Road when Poole stumbled towards them asking for a ride on one of the bikes.

“He took hold of one of the bikes and the boys pulled back because they feared he was going to take it,” said Mrs Mann.

“He became threatening and one of the youths saw a hammer in his waistband.

"He was able to take it and throw it away.”

“Poole then took the knife out and came towards the young men with it in his hand,” said Mrs Mann.

“One of them picked up a brush to fend him off and the other rang the police.

“He was thrusting the knife towards them and raised it above his head.”

Imran Hussain, defending, said the facts of the case were quite alarming.

“He apologises for his behaviour."