POLICE investigating reports of a woman being assaulted on Pleasington playing fields saw a man drop a knife as they approached him.

Blackburn magistrates heard Bek-robson Lang claimed he had found the rusty knife and had picked it up to prevent harm to dogs or people in the park.

But the magistrates ruled his version of events, which he claimed fell just short of a reasonable excuse, was not accepted and the matter fell into a higher sentencing bracket.

Lang, 21, of Livesey Branch Road, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to using threatening behaviour and possession of a knife in a public place.

He was remanded on bail for the preparation of a pre-sentence report.

Alex Mann, prosecuting, said witnesses described an altercation between a man and a woman which ended with him on top of her.

He was told to stop and leave the woman alone and he responded with abuse.

When police arrived they saw Lang with a female and as they approached he threw the knife down.

"He told police that he had a row with his girlfriend but had not assaulted her, which she confirmed," said Mrs Mann.

"He also gave the police the version of events he has given today, that he found the knife and was taking it home to dispose of it."

Imran Hussain, defending, said his client claimed to have found the knife in the grass.

The blade was bent and rusty and he was concerned for the safety of his dogs and other park users.

"What he should have done is put the knife in a bin on his way home," said Mr Hussain.

"His explanation falls short of being an acceptable excuse but it doesn't fall far short.

"There is no dispute of the facts but you have to decide were the facts fit into your guidelines."