A MAN seen walking down a Darwen street in the early hours of the morning brandishing the butt end of a pool cue told police he was carrying it for his own protection.

Blackburn magistrates heard that when Shaun Trayner was arrested again five days later, this time carrying a knife, he said he would have used it on the people who had beaten him earlier that night.

Trayner, of Woodvale, pleaded guilty to two charges of possessing an offensive weapon. He was bailed for the preparation of a pre-sentence report.

Isla Chilton, prosecuting, said police were concerned about the defendant's recent behaviour.

"His mental state, the amount he has been drinking and his tendency to arm himself make him a dangerous young man," said Mrs Chilton.

Daniel King, defending, said Trayner seemed to make a habit of falling in with the wrong people.

Mr King said Trayner's mother was concerned about her son's behaviour and was prepared to offer her address in Bamber Bridge as a bail address.