A DRUGGED-UP knifeman seen rooting through a dustbin was said to have brandished the blade in front of children playing out in a Burnley street, a court was told.

The town's magistrates heard how former heroin addict John Michael Marren, 34, who was spotted by a 16-year-old youth, told him it was his wife's "spud knife".

The defendant later claimed to police he had taken medication, did not remember having the knife with him and only recalled waking up in a cell.

Marren, of Melrose Avenue, Burnley, who has 45 previous convictions, admitted having an article with a sharply pointed blade in a public place. He was fined £50 with £50 costs.

Mercedah Jabbari, prosecuting, told the court the teenager saw the defendant looking though rubbish at 2pm. He asked Marren what he was doing and he said he was "just going through the bin".

The 16-year-old noticed the knife, which had a four inch blade, and saw the defendant walk onto Sycamore Avenue. A number of children were playing and the teenager shouted to them to stay away from Marren.

Police were alerted and tried to speak to the defendant who appeared under the influence of alcohol. He could hardly stand up and had trouble communicating.

Miss Jabbari said Marren was searched but the knife was not found on him. It was discovered nearby.

Bill Rawstron, defending, said there was "not the slightest indication" Marren had the knife for any unlawful purpose.

He had been using drugs since he was 15 and was now on a methadone programme. He did not buy or take heroin any more.

Mr Rawstron said Marren would be mortified if it was thought he would threaten anybody, let alone children.