A MAN put a Stanley knife blade in his mouth and moved it from side to side in a bizarre self-harm episode.

Blackburn magistrates heard Charlie Pullan was reacting to a security guard at Blackburn bus station asking if he was alright.

"He said he wasn't alright and produced the blade," said Catherine Allan, prosecuting.

"He put it in his mouth and was moving it from side to side as if he was trying to cut himself. It was a busy time and numerous members of the public saw him trying to self-harm."

Pullan, 22, of Apple Street, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to possessing a sharp blade in a public place.

He was remanded on bail until June 18 for the preparation of a pre-sentence report.

Miss Allan said the security guard knew Pullan because he regularly caught the bus at the station and has asked if he was OK out of politeness.

"He ended up having to call the police and initially the defendant would not hand over the blade to officers," said Miss Allan.

Richard Prew, defending, said the only purpose for the blade was to self-harm.

"There is no suggestion it was brandished towards anyone else," said Mr Prew.