A man was caught by police trying to hide a machete in the footwell of a car after a large fight had taken place in Burnley.

Police received multiple reports of a brawl in Briercliffe Road shortly before 9.40pm on May 15, 2023.

As they arrived, they found four people in an Audi, one of whom, Michael Chippendale, 27, was seen to be in possession of a large sword or machete.

Police observed him trying to hide the weapon in the footwell from his seat in the rear of the car as they approached.

Also in the back of the car was Jerome Lawton, 27, and police found a metal bar close to him when the car was searched.

Lewis Stevenson, also 27, was in the driver’s seat, while another 16-year-old defendant, who cannot be named due to his age, was in the front passenger seat.

CCTV obtained from the area prior to the car being stopped showed all four defendants being involved in a fight with another group of men.

Beth Pilling, prosecuting at Burnley Crown Court, said the defendants got out of the vehicle and the weapons were drawn, with slashing gestures being made by those holding weapons.

The men in the other group were said to be in possession of a small knife, a machete, and an axe.

However, they were unidentifiable from the CCTV hence not being involved in these matters.

The only physical violence happened when one of the males from the other group and the youth defendant in this group grappled for around a minute before all the parties separated.

All were arrested and interviewed and provided no comment.

Chippendale, of Lower Tentre, Burnley, has two previous convictions for four offences, including a community order for actual bodily harm. He pleaded guilty to affray and possession of a knife/blade.

Stevenson, of Chapel Street, Rishton, has two previous convictions for two offences, including a community order for battery in 2022. He pleaded guilty to affray and possession of an offensive weapon.

Lawton, of Wood Street, Hapton, has four previous convictions for eight offences, including 10 months in custody for wounding without intent in 2018 and a suspended sentence in 2017 for actual bodily harm. He pleaded guilty to affray.

Shannon English, mitigating for Stevenson and Lawton, said both of her clients were remorseful.

Mark Stuart, for Chippendale, said his client was ready to prove he is a “responsible, law-abiding citizen.”

Judge Daniel Prowse said: “I’ve watched the footage. It’s apparent from the moment you pulled up you were in the knowledge of what was about to happen.

“Not only did you have a sword or machete but you swung it. It’s no more than dumb luck that you missed. Had you hit them, the injuries could have been fatal.

“Those who engage in offences of disorder with highly dangerous weapons must expect to receive prison sentences.

“Had you been sentenced closer in time to when you committed these offences, I’m sure all three of you would have been going down the stairs.”

Chippendale was sentenced to 12 months in prison suspended for 18 months, with 15 rehabilitation activity days and 150 hours of unpaid work.

Stevenson was given a six-month sentence suspended for 15 months with 15 rehabilitation activity days and 120 hours of unpaid work.

Finally, Lawton was sentenced to three months suspended for 12 months with 15 rehabilitation activity days and 100 hours of unpaid work.

The 16-year-old was given a caution in a previous youth court hearing.