A MAN has been given an anti-social behaviour order after being found asleep on a park bench with three hammers, five knives, a machete and a craft knife.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Romesh Hira, 43, was surrounded by empty butane gas canisters when he was woken by police in Corporation Park at 8.30am on January 21.

Hira, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to possession of articles with sharply pointed blades. He was jailed for 30 days.

The magistrates also imposed an ASBO which bans him from possessing butane gas or liquid in a public place, possessing any weapon other than one used for religious purposes and causing harm or distress to members of the public.

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said police were called by a member of the park staff who found Hira lying on a bench under an umbrella.

"He was surrounded by numerous gas canisters and the official was concerned because people walking their dogs and families were starting to use the park."

Miss Allan said Hira had been made subject to an ASBO in 2004 but this had ended in December.

He was dealt with in November for two breaches of that order involving abuse of butane gas and possession of an offensive weapon.

Jonathan Taylor, defending, said the knives and other items were "utensils" which Hira had taken with him from the accommodation he had been forced to leave.

"He clearly accepts that people who came across him might have been alarmed by what they saw," said Mr Taylor.

He said Hira had various problems and he accepted that some of his behaviour could be strange.

"The stimulant he relies upon for recreational use is butane gas," said Mr Taylor. "It is not a prohibited substance, you can buy it from any newsagent. He inhales it to get an artificial high and says it allows him a little escapism."

He said magistrates had previously been concerned about this going on in public and this had led to the previous ASBO.

"He believes he should have the right, in the privacy of his own home, to inhale this substance," said Mr Taylor.