A man armed himself with a pool cue following an early hours confrontation with a man banging on his front door, a court has heard.

Blackburn Magistrates' Court was told how when James Hodson's brother Peter realised he was involved, he armed himself with a leather “monkey fist” and went to his assistance.

James Hodson, 44, of Blackburn Road, Darwen, pleaded guilty to possessing an offensive weapon,namely half a pool cue.

He was remanded on bail for the preparation of a pre-sentence report.

Peter Hodson, 38, of Blackburn Road, Darwen, pleaded guilty to possessing an offensive weapon, a leather monkey's fist.

He was fined £576 and ordered to pay £230 victim surcharge with £85 costs.

A monkey's fist is a type of knot tied at the end of a rope shaped like a fist, and can be used as a weapon in hand to hand combat while also being popularly used in cufflinks, sports parachutes, and in BDSM.

Henry Prescott, prosecuting, said a neighbour’s ex-partner turned up at her house in the early hours and was banging on the door.

She told him to leave, but James Hodson then challenged the man about what he was doing, saying there were children asleep.

There was a confrontation between the two men before James Hodson went back into his property and emerged with the pool cue and went after the early hours caller.

His brother Peter then emerged carrying the monkey fist.

Gareth Price, in mitigation, said James Hodson was in his own property when he heard banging and that there was an altercation going on.

“He intervened, effectively telling the other man to be quiet and go away,” said Mr Price.

“He was met with an aggressive response and when he went to his front door to further discuss matters he says he was punched.”

He said his client then went in and got the pool cue and accepted at that point it was an offensive weapon.

He said Peter Hodson had "become aware his brother was injured" and was going out onto the street with the pool cue.

“He was concerned for his brother and went out to protect him,” said Mr Price.

“He had on display in his property this monkey fist which he had bought in South Africa as a decorative piece,” said Mr Price.

“It is used in sailing and mountain climbing but it is accepted it can also be used as a weapon.”

Mr Price said Peter Hodson had the item in his pocket and immediately told police he had it.

James Hodson will be sentenced at a later date.