A MAN walked from Huncoat into Accrington town centre carrying a knife because he wanted to be arrested.

Blackburn magistrates heard David Brian Lowe was struggling to cope in the community because of his mental health issues.

And Gareth Price, defending, said his client's behaviour had been a clear cry for help.

Lowe, 28, of Woodside Road, Accrington, pleaded guilty to possessing a knife in public. He was sent in custody to Burnley Crown Court to be sentenced on January 11.

Tracy Yates, prosecuting, said police received reports from members of the public about a man walking towards Accrington town centre brandishing a large kitchen knife.

"The report said he was pointing the knife at anyone who walked past," said Mrs Yates. "When he was approached by officers he walked away and dropped the knife."

She said Lowe had only been released from prison six days before the latest incident after serving a sentence for a similar offence.

Mr Price said his client had not intended to hurt anyone.

"He just wanted to go to prison and get some support," said Mr Price. "He says he has no friends or family and feels safer in prison. The four months he got last time wasn't long enough for him to get the help he needed inside prison."