A TEENAGER was firing an air pistol while under the influence of cannabis, a court heard.

Levi Jordan Dolman, 19, had been arrested with two friends, after a worried passer-by contacted police, claiming pigeons were being shot at on the canal bank, near Liverpool Road, in Burnley, the town’s magistrates were told.

Officers found three men matching descriptions given in the area, two of them carrying gun bags, with two air rifles and an air pistol.

Dolman did not have any weapons, but he had a tub of pellets suitable for use with the guns, as well as cannabis bush. He told officers he had been firing at cans, not birds, with the air pistol.

The defendant, of Oak Street, Burnley, admitted having an air pistol while in a private field as a trespasser, on April 29.

He was given a conditional discharge by the bench, who told him: “You don't want to be getting involved in these things.”

Philippa White, prosecuting, said the member of the public contacted police at about 6pm, telling them three men were using air weapons to shoot at pigeons.

Officers searched the area and found three men, including the defendant, in Lowerhouse Lane. All three were detained.

Mrs White said: “He accepted it was silly, particularly when under the influence of cannabis. He was aware passers-by might be concerned by what they saw.”

Mark Williams, for Dolman, said the only time he had one of the weapons was in the field, when he had a go at firing one.

He wasn’t involved in shooting pigeons on the canal.