A NURSE at Royal Blackburn Hospital alerted police after a patient produced a blowtorch which he said he needed to protect himself.

Blackburn magistrates heard that when an officer searched Anthony Cahill's rucksack he found a knuckleduster and a locking knife.

Cahill, 49, of Temple Drive, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to two charges of possessing an offensive weapon, possessing a bladed instrument, possession of amphetamine and possession of cannabis.

He was committed on bail to be sentenced at Preston Crown Court on November 12.

Andy Robinson, prosecuting, said an officer at the hospital at 11.45am was approached by a nurse.

She said a patient in the triage room had produced a blowtorch and said he needed it for protection from his neighbour.

"The officer searched his rucksack and found the knuckleduster and a locking knife," said Mr Robinson.

"He admitted in interview that he had all the items for protection."

Jonathan Taylor, defending, said Cahill had gone to hospital in the hope he would be admitted and sectioned under the mental health legislation.

"He has no previous convictions but it is accepted he will be committed to the Crown Court to be sentenced," said Mr Taylor.