A MAN brandished a knife during a dispute with a gang of teenagers outside a Blackburn pizza takeaway.

Blackburn magistrates heard Stuart Gliddon took refuge in the takeaway, locking the door behind him.

The youths, led by a female, eventually kicked the door open and entered the shop where the girl picked up the craft knife from where Gliddon had dropped.

Gliddon, 37, of Roebuck Close, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to possessing a bladed article in a public place. He was remanded on bail for the preparation of a pre-sentence report.

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said there was a commotion outside the Santas Takeaway on Bolton Road, Blackburn, at 11.40 pm. Staff saw the defendant outside along with a large group of teenagers who were shouting abuse at him.

"He ran into the shop and shut the door behind him," said Miss Allan. "He had a long piece of wood in his hand and at some point produced a craft knife."

Miss Allan said the teenagers were banging and kicking at the door and shouting that Gliddon had a knife.

"A teenage girl was being extremely aggressive, shouting for the defendant to get out and she was kicking the door," said Miss Allan. "The glas broke but she carried on kicking."

Gliddon threw the craft knife on the floor and ran into the back of the shop where he remained until the police arrived.

The youths forced their way into the shop but the owner blocked their way and after the girl picked up the knife they left.

Jonathan Taylor, defending, said it was accepted the magistrates would require a pre-sentence report before finalising the matter