A MAN who sparked a dramatic police hunt after he threatened a colleague with a Samurai sword has been given an 18-month community order.
Adam Gannon, 21, of Pickup Street, Clayton-le-Moors, was sentenced by Hyndburn magistrates after he threatened another man with a 20-inch sword on Wednesday 5 March.
The incident happened at the East Lancashire Box Company on Spring Street, Rishton, and sparked a major police search in Rishton and Clayton-le-Moors.
Gannon pleaded guilty to possessing a weapon and using threatening behaviour.
Magistrates heard how Gannon and his co-worker were involved in a verbal altercation which escalated into a fight.
In a statement to the court the victim admitted putting his hands around Gannon’s throat during the fight.
He also said his face was within inches of the sword but Gannon left the premises.
No-one was injured in the incident.
Magistrates gave Gannon an 18-month community order and he was ordered to pay court costs.
He was also ordered to attend the probation service’s Controlling Anger and Learning to Manage it (CALM) programme, which aims to change the way offenders think and behave.
