Police called to a disturbance outside a Darwen shop arrested two men and found one in possession of a knife and the other a set of knuckledusters.

Blackburn magistrates heard Jayden Grundy, who had the knuckledusters, was just 17 at the time of the offence in October 2021.

District Judge Alexandra Preston ordered a pre-sentence report to be prepared and also ordered the prosecution to provide a proper explanation for why the matter had taken nearly two years to come to court.

"It is even more important for youths to be dealt with quickly and this delay is totally unacceptable," said District Judge Preston. "I want the Crown to give a proper explanation on the next occasion as to why there has been such a long delay in these matters coming to court. It will not be acceptable for the Crown Prosecution Service to say next time that they don't know."

Grundy, 19, of Church Street, Great Harwood, pleaded guilty to possessing a offensive weapon in Duckworth Street. He was remanded on bail until October 10 for the preparation of a pre-sentence report.

Gee Leung, prosecuting, said police were called after a fracas outside a shop on Duckworth Street at 4.10 pm.

Two youths were searched and one had a knife and Grundy the knuckledusters.

"There is no suggestion either weapon was ever brandished," said Mr Leung.