POLICE were called after a drunken man was seen banging on doors and windows at a Blackburn primary school.

The town’s magistrates heard children were frightened by Gary Lethered outside St Anne’s in Feilden Street at 1.10pm on Monday.

Lethered, 47, of Midsummer Street, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to being drunk and disorderly and stealing wallpaper worth £43 from Wilko on October 4.

He was made subject to a curfew for eight weeks between 8pm and 8am and ordered to pay £100 compensation to the school, £43 to Wilko, £85 costs and £90 victim surcharge.

District Judge James Clarke said sentencing for being drunk and disorderly was limited even if it did involve frightening children.

He said Lethered was already subject to two community orders.

“The bad news for you is that I am going to take a personal interest in your compliance with those orders,” said District Judge Clarke.

“I am going to be very interested to hear that your level of attendance and engagement has improved dramatically and that you are complying in full with the orders.

“If I am disappointed so will you be.”

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Andy Robinson, prosecuting, said police were called to a report of a man scaring children who were playing outside. He was banging on doors and windows, shouting and swearing.

“When an officer approached he continued shouting and swearing and made threats,” said Mr Robinson.

The wallpaper had been stolen after Lethered had spoken to two women in the shop.

Lethered said he agreed to steal the wallpaper for them and when he handed it over outside they gave him £20.

Richard Prew, defending, said it was a very sad because when his client was sober he was a very pleasant man.

“When he is under the influence of alcohol and, more recently spice, he is a nightmare,” said Mr Prew.

“It has been said by his probation officer that he appears to have pressed the self-destruct button as far as his drinking and drug abuse are concerned and Gary is the only person who can deal with that.

“There is help available but he has to be willing to take it.”