A DEPRESSED "gunman" who three times asked armed police to shoot him, walked free from court -- but was told by a judge in some cities he would have got his wish.

Father-of-two, Ronald Jackson, 52, who appeared in the dock at Burnley Crown Court with his hand strapped after he spilled caustic soda he was drinking, should put his past behind him and try to forget it -- and not cause his children any more heartaches by his actions, said Recorder Robert Platts.

The judge said Jackson should think of the stress he would cause his family when he contemplated anything "silly and suicidal" again and added that at 52, the defendant was a relatively young man and shouldn't even think about what he was thinking about before. He added: "You are not a criminal. You are a fool at present and you need help."

Recorder Platts said Jackson offended when he was clearly depressed -- bordering on mental illness. He went on: "This court doesn't believe in sending people with those problems into custody. It only exacerbates the problems." Jackson, of Whalley Road, Clayton-le-Moors, was put on probation for two years, with the condition he carry on having psychiatric care. He had admitted possessing an imitation firearm with intent, last October. Jackson had no previous convictions.

Martin Hackett, prosecuting, said the police were called to an address on Whalley Road, by the defendant, who said he had a loaded gun, was going outside and wanted to be shot.

Armed officers attended in the early hours and Jackson went into the street and walked up and down, holding the gun. He then went inside, came back out again and walked up the street.

The officers approached him and asked him to put the gun down, but he said: "Shoot me." After Jackson was warned again, he put the weapon down and was arrested. When he was cautioned, he replied: "I want you to shoot me."

Mr Hackett said when interviewed, the defendant said he had felt depressed for a few months and had been brandishing the gun in the street to get shot by police.

Keith Harrison, defending, said Jackson was now back cycling and doing the things he used to do. He had a more positive attitude.