A MAN who was barred from a pub produced a craft knife when he was escorted out by the landlord.

Blackburn magistrates heard James Dean then threatened to burn down the Cross Axes, Great Harwood.

Dean, 27, of Hermitage Street, Rishton, pleaded guilty to possessing an offensive weapon in a public place and threatening landlord John Maitland that he would burn his pub down.

He was sentenced to 16 weeks in prison suspended for 12 months, made subject to a community order for 12 months with 20 days rehabilitation activity requirement and ordered to pay £85 costs and £115 victim surcharge.

Parveen Akhtar, prosecuting, said Dean went into the Cross Axes at 10.40pm on April 17 despite being barred since November and Mr Maitland asked him to leave.

“Once outside he made the threat to burn the pub down and then took the knife out of his pocket,” said Miss Akhtar.

“He held it for a few seconds before putting it back in his pocket and leaving.”

Dean then went to the Wellington pub where he discarded the knife before leaving. He was arrested shortly after in The Tavern.

Miss Akhtar said the incident from the Cross Axes had been captured on CCTV.

Gareth Price, defending, said since the incident his client had self-referred to Inspire, the drink and drug agency.

“There was no threat with the knife,” said Mr Price.

“He made the threat to burn the pub down but there was never any intention to carry it out. It was said on the spur of the moment.”