A 58-year-old man who went armed to caused damage at a farm in Whitworth is facing psychiatric assessment and an anti-social behaviour order.

Walter Hampson has earlier been convicted after a trial by Burnley magistrates of possessing a bottle of bleach, wire cutters, a craft knife, and hacksaw and pliers with intent to destroy or damage property on February 27.

Hampson, who still protests his innocence and told the court he would be appealing against the conviction at the crown court, had his case adjourned until January 17 for medical reports.

The defendant, who was not legally represented, told the bench he would comply with the assessment and continued: "I suppose I would find it interesting. I really don't mind one way or the other. I am retired and I suppose it would help to fill some time in."

The court was told Hampson, of Avondale, Clifton, Salford, had been told by an earlier bench he would not be going to jail. The prosecution, which earlier withdrew an allegation Hampson harassed farmers Malcolm and Cheryl Stuart, has already told the magistrates it would be applying for the ASBO.

The defendant was bailed until the sentence hearing, on condition he does not enter the curtilage of Limed Farm.