CHILDREN on a Burnley street were petrified when they saw a man covered in blood clutching a blood-stained knife, a court heard.

Matthew Spencer, 19, who was shouting: "I have been beaten up. I have been beaten up," was abusive when police turned up and was refused hospital treatment because of his violent conduct.

He was subject to a community order for affray and also an anti-social behaviour order, Burnley Magistrates heard.

Spencer, of Aylesbury Walk, Burnley, admitted possessing a knife in a public place, damage and using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour. He was given a community order with 12 months supervision.

Andrew Robinson, prosecuting, said at about 9pm on May 9, the defendant was seen covered in blood on Aylesbury Walk. He picked up a piece of fencing and threw it at a parked car.

Another witness said three or four children, aged about 10, saw Spencer and all looked petrified. He had a large silver knife in his hand, which had blood on it.

Mr Robinson said Spencer was abusive to police, was taken to hospital, but was refused treatment because of his violent and abusive behaviour. When he was interviewed, he said he could remember nothing.

Richard Taylor, defend-ing, said Bell had been assaulted and robbed on the way home from the pub. He said Bell had mental health issues and was engaging well with supervision.

The court was told the defendant was on incapacity benefits due to anxiety and depression.