A KNIFEMAN had to be CS gassed and struck with a baton so police could get the 16inch weapon from him.

Burnley magistrates were told that police thought they were going to be stabbed by Damien John Chapman, 34, of Hawley Street, Colne.

Chapman had the 16inch knife with a serated edge wrapped in a tea towel and inside a carrier bag which he had placed down his trousers.

Chapman, said to have mental health problems, had been confronted outside the Good Night Club in Nelson, after officers were called to reports of a man armed with a knife.

Carl Gaffney, prosecuting, told the court that police could see the bag sticking out about four inches from the defendant's trousers.

He was given loud and clear instructions to remove it and put it in the floor, but instead he tried to get past the officers, the court heard.

Chapman was told to stand still, but pushed an officer's arm away and reached for the bag. The officers thought the knife was going to be used on them.

Mr Gaffney said the defendant was squirted with incapacitant spray and although he was in discomfort and was repeatedly told to put the bag down, he would not let go.

One officer tried to grab him but Chapman still refused to hand over the carrier bag.

Another officer withdrew his baton and Chapman told him: "Hit me as hard as you want. I'm not letting go."

He was ordered to drop to his knees but refused and was hit with the baton on the leg.

Mr Gaffney said that had no effect whatsoever but an officer was able to grab the bag.

Chapman admitted having an offensive weapon in public and resisting police on April 27.

He was given a community order with 24 months supervision.

Mark Irlam, defending, said Chapman was ashamed of his actions and was very upset by his stupid and nonsensical behaviour.