A MAN emerged from his house brandishing a knife and made threats towards a group of teenagers across the road.

Blackburn magistrates heard the incident, which was caught on CCTV, lasted no more than 10 seconds.

The court was told Steven Kelly later claimed the youths had been staring at him.

Kelly, 38, of Branch Road, Burnley, pleaded guilty to affray and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place. He was remanded on bail until March 5 for the preparation of a pre-sentence report.

Andy Robinson, prosecuting, said police were called at 4.40pm on Monday after Kelly was seen on the street. When they arrived he was in his own home but they viewed CCTV which showed him with the large kitchen knife above his head making threats towards the youths on the other side of the road.

When he was interviewed Kelly said they were staring at him and that was why he went out with the knife. He accepted making a threat but said he had no intention of carrying it out. Mr Robinson said Kelly had no previous convictions.

Imran Hussain, defending, said he had viewed the CCTV entire incident lasted no more than 10 seconds.

"He came out, raised the knife above his head, and then returned to his own address," said Mr Hussain.

"The closest anyone got to him was across the road."

Mr Hussain said his client had difficulties with his mental health and was prescribed anti-psychotic medication.

"It didn't help that on the day of this incident he had consumed alcohol," said Mr Hussain.