COLNE: Knifeman brandished large knife in town centre

Shaun Hoyle, 20, who has never been in trouble before, had been binge drinking and taking the drug “bubble” before the “out of character” outburst, last October.

The defendant, of Newmarket Street, Colne, admitted possessing a bladed article, at Pennine Magistrates Court and had been committed for sentence to the town’s crown court. He was spared custody and given a community order with 100 hours unpaid work.

Judge Simon Newell told him the public would have been worried about his “rather odd and bizarre behaviour”.

He added: “There is grave concern about people who have knives and may use these knives. Don’t let it happen again.”

Iain Simpkin, prosecuting, told the court at about 4-20 p.m. police received reports of a man with a knife.

The defendant was at the bottom of Bright Street, on the ground, screaming and brandishing a large knife, with an eight inch blade.

The officer shouted at the defendant to drop the knife and he was arrested and cautioned. He made admissions and told police he had been taking drink and drugs. Hoyle was of previous good character.

Roger Baldwin, for Hoyle, said his drink and drug fuelled behaviour was “completely out of character.” He had been on a serious drinking binge and had taken mephedrone. The barrister added: “It is behaviour that won’t reoccur. He is on benefits and is looking for work.”