Police responded to reports of a man in a town centre carrying a machete.

Blackburn Magistrates' Court heard when officers approached Nidham Ferchichi he withdrew the weapon from his waistband, and one of the officers drew his Taser because he wasn’t sure what was going to happen.

Ferchichi, 42 of Kensington Street, Nelson, initially pleaded not guilty to possession of a bladed article in Market Square in the town.

He was convicted in his absence when he failed to turn up for his trial on September 16.

Back in court on Wednesday, November 6, he was sentenced to 26 weeks in prison, suspended for 18 months, with a 25-day rehabilitation activity requirement.

District Judge Alexandra Preston, passing sentence, said she viewed the offence seriously.

“It must have been worrying for people who saw you with that item on the day,” she said.

“I take into account the fact you have serious mental health difficulties and that may have affected your behaviour on the day.

“I am very concerned you are not getting help with those difficulties and hopefully the Probation Service will be able to help.”

Nicola Mills, prosecuting, said when officers confronted Ferchichi he had several items in his hands which he threw on the floor before pulling the machete out of his waistband.

“The officer withdrew his Taser but, fortunately, when he was told to drop the machete he did so.”

When he was interviewed Ferchichi said he had just bought the machete from a shop down the road.

He said it was a gardening tool for cutting branches and digging holes.

Janet Sime, in mitigation, said her client had bought the machete with the genuine intention of chopping down branches in the area where he lived.

“There was no aggression or threats to the officers,” said Miss Sime.

“He was agitated because he was trying to explain to them why he had it.”