A TAXI driver feared for his safety when an iron bar dropped out of the sleeve of his fare as he was looking for his money.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Mohammed Sulema began screaming at his passenger, before speeding off with the passenger door still open.

But the court was told it had been a misunderstanding, and Daniel Creedon had meant the driver no harm.

Creedon, 22, of Oban Drive, Blackburn, admitted possessing an offensive weapon.

He was made subject to an 8pm to 7am curfew for three months, and ordered to pay £50 compensation and £60 costs.

Jonathan Taylor, defending, said Creedon carried the bar for self-defence, adding: "Had he not started screaming at my client, he would have paid the fare and gone on his way."