A MAN who became obstructive when police tried to search him was found to be in possession of an imitation gun and a lock knife.

Blackburn magistrates heard Brandon Wilde tried to run away from the officers and struggled violently when they tried to detain him.

Wilde, 19, of Whittle Court, Burnley, pleaded guilty to possession of an imitation firearm, possession of a knife and obstruction of a police officer.

He was made subject to a community order for 18 months with a 30-day rehabilitation activity requirement.

District Judge Alexandra Preston said it had been a “dreadful” incident.

“The police were doing their job when they stopped you,” said District Judge Preston. “It turned out they had good reason to because you had two illegal items in your bag.”

Usmah Kausar, prosecuting, said officers approached Wilde on Thwaites Road, Oswaldtwistle, and when they said they wanted to search him he became obstructive.

Miss Kausar said Wilde barged into the officers and then tried to kick one.

“As he was being detained he jolted his head back and forward trying to headbutt the officers,” said Miss Kausar. “When officers searched his bag they found the imitation gun and a butterfly knife.”

Gareth Price, defending, said since the incident Wilde had distanced himself from the peer group he was associating with.

“He is now receiving family support,” said Mr Price. “There were no injuries to the officers although it was obviously a difficult management exercise.”