A ROSSENDALE teenager found armed with a knife told police he had it because of the "Edgeside Muppets", a court was told.

Daniel Kirk's solicitor told Burnley magistrates the defendant was not talking about the characters seen on television, but a gang who had terrorised people in the area.

Kirk, 19, who offended while subject to a conditional discharge, kept his freedom even though the bench said his behaviour could have landed him in jail.

The defendant, of Todmorden Road, Bacup, admitted possessing an offensive weapon and failing to surrender. He was given 100 hours' community punishment, fined £50 and told to pay £65 costs.

Mercedah Jabbari, prosecuting, told the court when the defendant was put in a police vehicle he was laughing and said he was as high as a kite. He told officers he had the weapon for protection.

Bill Rawstron, defending, said the group Kirk called the 'Edgeside Muppets' had issued threats.

The defendant had had the knife in his pocket and never produced it.

Kirk was a painter and decorator and could put his skills to use for the benefit of the community, Mr Rawston added.