A KNIFE collector who threatened two men with a 15ins hunting weapon has been jailed for four months.

Michael Leigh, 32, went home for the knife after being subjected to violence, Burnley Crown Court heard.

Judge Raymond Bennett said the weapon was a "dreadful looking knife" and Leigh had previous convictions for similar offences.

He added he and the two magistrates sitting with him accepted Leigh had been provoked and behaved in a way which was defensive.

The judge went on: "The message must go out that if people are caught with that sort of weapon, there are serious consequences."

Leigh, of Hood Street, Accrington, admitted to having a blade and been committed for sentence by Hyndburn magistrates. Wendy Nilsen, prosecuting, said Leigh had approached Christopher Boden and Philip Hindle and there had been a disagreement about the defendant's tattoos.

Leigh became abusive and threatening. He set off home and reappeared with the knife.

Leigh was saying "come on, come on, I will get you," and ran towards Mr Boden, who put his hands up to his face to protect himself. Mr Boden alleged Leigh lunged forward and tried to slash him.

Mr Hindle accepted there was some antagonism towards the defendant.

Ms Nilsen said police arrived and Leigh ran down a back alley and the knife was found there.

Paul Hague, defending, said Leigh got the knife from a collection on his sitting room wall, he did not intend to use it, but to ward off the men.

He added: "He had been subjected to kicks, he was shown substantial violence."

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