WILLIAM Holden phoned police and told them someone was holding a gun to his head and a knife to his throat.

Blackburn magistrates heard it was only after armed officers went to his house that it became apparent the threats were only real in Holden's mind.

Holden, 43, formerly of Woodvale Flats, Darwen, but now living in Jarrow, Tyne and Wear, was bound over in the sum of £150 to be of good behaviour for 12 months. A charge of wasting police time was withdrawn.

Sylvia Dacre, prosecuting, said that when police received the call from Holden, four armed officers and two others went to the Darwen address.

"When they got there and arrested Holden it became apparent the threats were only in his mind," said Miss Dacre. "When asked about the calls, he said he could not remember because he was too intoxicated. The police put considerable resources into this situation, believing it to be far more serious than it actually was."

Ian Holland, defending, said his client had a severe drink problem and could remember little of the incident.

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