Police responded to a report of a man walking along the road carrying a lump hammer.

Blackburn magistrates heard the officers found Rocky Michael Young at a petrol station on Higher Audley and when he saw them he dropped the weapon.

Young, 33, of Ewood Caravan Park, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to possessing an offensive weapon in a public place. He was made subject to a 12-month community order s with a 10-day rehab activity requirement and 100 hours unpaid work. He was ordered to pay £85 costs.

Passing sentence the bench chairman said carrying a lump hammer around, especially when you had been drinking, was a serious matter.