Pennine magistrates heard how jobless father-of-three Daniel Clement McLaughlin was shouting threats and brandishing the weapons. One occupant feared for his life, worrying the rifle might be pointed at him.

McLaughlin was arrested and claimed he was trying to protect his children after a youth on a mini moto "almost killed them".

The defendant (32), of Talbot Street, Colne, admitted possessing a loaded/unloaded air weapon in public and possessing an offensive weapon on September 10th.

He was committed on bail for sentence to Burnley Crown Court on October 31st. McLaughlin did not have a record for anything similar.

Mr Andrew Robinson (prosecuting) said the incident occurred near Railway Street, Nelson. A householder heard a man shouting threats outside and saw the defendant walk up the back street with a silver bladed sword in one hand and a brown handled rifle in the other in broad daylight.

Mr Robinson said firearms police arrived and McLaughlin was arrested. He told police the air rifle had been loaded and he had gone to confront a group of men, aiming to scare them and took the weapons for protection. He denied shouting threats.

Mr Bill Berry (defending) said McLaughlin had been visiting his girlfriend. His children were playing on the pavement when he saw one of a group of youths riding a mini moto up and down, narrowly missing his three-year-old son.

The solicitor said: "He was incensed by this, by the total lack of regard for his children's safety. He went out to speak to the youth and was told in no uncertain terms to get lost. He was angry."

Mr Berry said McLaughlin had the air rifle as a hobby. He did not accept he was shouting threats or brandishing the weapons. There was nobody about. The defendant went back inside after the group dispersed.

McLaughlin was wholly and honestly sorry. Mr Berry added: "He very much regrets people observed him from their houses and were alarmed."