A NIGHT-shift worker barricaded himself into a house with several crying children and produced a knife, a court was told.

Michael Fegan, 27, refused to let the youngsters go and held a baby in his arms before finally releasing a sobbing girl, Burnley Crown Court heard.

Fegan, of Spencer Street, Burnley, admitted affray and sentence was adjourned until Friday March 5, to investigate the possibility of community service.

Andrew Lawson, prosecuting, said police were called to a disturbance on Cleaver Street, Burnley.

Fegan had locked himself into a house and officers noticed a group of young children at an upstairs window in a distressed state, some crying.

The defendant appeared at a window and attempts were made to speak to him, but Fegan had barricaded the front door.

He refused to let the children go and would not let officers enter.

Fegan had a young baby in his arms and when other officers went to the back door, he went round the back, still with the baby, was abusive and said he would set his dog on them. The defendant then released one young girl who was upset and sobbing and brought the other youngsters to the door to show the police they were safe and well.

Negotiations continued at the front door and at one stage Fegan came to the window with a kitchen knife in his hand.

Mr Lawson said after about an hour Fegan let the children go, the mother of the baby returned and persuaded Fegan to hand over the child.

Fegan was arrested, struggled and threatened officers with his dog.

When interviewed, Fegan said a family argument had got out of hand.

He told officers he had "lost it," and found the knife near the children in the lounge, so had picked it up for their safety.

He accepted his behaviour was unreasonable and scary for the children.

Martin Hackett, defending, said Fegan's relationship with his girlfriend had not ended.

Fegan worked full time on night shifts and would be available to do community service.

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