POLICE responded to reports of a man shouting threats and wielding a metal bar.

Blackburn magistrates heard the officers were shown footage of the man and found Benjamin Barnes nearby with the metal bar hidden down his trousers.

Barnes, 35, of Woodland Avenue, Waterfoot, pleaded guilty to possessing an offensive weapon in a public place and using threatening behaviour.

He was made subject to a community order for 12 months with 30 days’ rehabilitation activity requirement and fined £50 with £85 costs and £90 victim surcharge.

Scott Parker, prosecuting, said police found Barnes he appeared to be under the influence of drink or drugs.

On the way to the police station he became aggressive, banging his head against the cage and saying he wanted to fight the officers.

“A female the officers spoke to at the scene was pale and shaking,” said Mr Parker.

“She said there had been a man outside her house, shouting and swearing and saying he wanted to fight someone.”

Janet Sime, defending, said her client had various problems.

“He had felt threatened and was very scared that he was going to be attacked,” said Mrs Sime.

“He was concerned for his safety.”