A MAN using a public phone to call the police non-emergency number 101 was making threats to stab people passing the box including schoolchildren.

Blackburn magistrates heard officers were despatched to the phone box on Bethesda Close and while they were talking to Jonpaul Maybury he continued making threats to passing schoolchildren.

Maybury, 29, of Cleveleys Road, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to being drunk and disorderly in Bethesda Close. He was fined £100 with £85 costs and £34 victim surcharge.

Briony Cook, prosecuting, said officers were despatched to the phone box by the 101 operator who heard Maybury threatening to stab someone.

"He was making various threats to people, including a schoolgirl, who were passing," said Miss Cook.

"He was in the phone box when officers arrived. He became aggressive and made more threats to stab people who were walking past."

Miss Cook said children were walking past on their way to school. Maybury was very drunk.

Maybury, who was not represented, said he didn't remember much of the incident.

"I rang 101 more for medical advice," he said.

"I can understand the distress caused by some of the comments I made."