A HOSTEL resident who was being escorted from the premises by the manager picked up a circular saw and switched it on.

Blackburn magistrates heard Michael Bartley made a comment about cutting his own throat and then said: "I'm going to take your head off."

Bartley, 32, of Shadsworth House, Dunoon Drive, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to assaulting Gary Jolly by causing fear of violence. He was remanded on bail for the preparation of a pre-sentence report.

Andy Robinson, prosecuting, said Mr Jolly and his staff believed Bartley had been smoking spice and was being aggressive towards other residents. He also had alcohol on him which was prohibited.

"Mr Jolly was trying to prevent his behaviour escalating and was trying to get him out of the building," said Mr Robinson.

Bartley went into an area of the property which was being renovated where he picked up the circular saw.

"Mr Jolly and another member of staff dragged the defendant backwards hoping that would pull the plug out of the wall," said Mr Robinson.

"That didn't happen but the flex became tangled and he dropped the saw."

Mr Jolly and his colleague dragged Bartley outside and restrained him until the police arrived.

Richard Prew, defending, said when his client was in drink and taking spice it affected his mental health.

"Any trigger will then send him into the rage Mr Jolly described," said Mr Prew.

"He had a cigarette taken off him by a member of staff and that was the trigger for what happened afterwards."

Mr Prew said when his client picked up the circular saw it was to harm himself and not anyone else.

"Because of this incident it is unlikely he will be welcome back at Shadsworth House," said Mr Prew.