A MAN who produced a Samurai sword when a gang turned up at his house was given an absolute discharge by a judge -- who said he was surprised the defendant was prosecuted.

Judge Raymond Bennett, asked by Graeme Francis if he could keep the ornamental weapon, said he was better off without it.

Francis, 25, of Barden Lane, Burnley, admitted possessing an offensive weapon on May 1.

Roger Green, prosecuting, told the court two police officers were on duty in Duke Bar, Burnley, at about 9am.

They saw about 12 people in the street, some holding weapons and Francis was waving the sword around.

A group of about seven to eight males seemed to be at loggerheads with the defendant.

Francis was standing in front of his house, still armed with the sword and was arrested.

Mr Green said the defendant told police five lads had turned up at his house and had wanted to see a person who was staying with him. They went away, but a larger group returned and he was trying to defend himself.

The court was told Francis claimed he had seen a couple of people with machetes or metal scaffolding poles. He said he was outside his house swinging his sword around and was shouting at the group.