Fireman threatened by knife-wielding litter lout

Crew manager Graham Bennett and his team were returning from an incident on Camellia Drive in Leyland when they spotted Adam Michael Clarke carelessly dumping a big box of waste in the street on September 10 last year, Preston Crown Court heard.

The fire engine stopped at the scene on Magnolia Drive at around 2.55pm, and Mr Bennett challenged Clarke about his behaviour.

Clarke, 25, of Windflower Drive, Clayton-le-Woods, near Chorley, grew increasingly aggressive as the fire officer demanded he picked his rubbish back up, and then pulled out a knife.

A shocked colleague, who was watching the incident from the fire engine, called police and it is understood Clarke ran away. He later pleaded guilty to unlawfully and intentionally threatening another person, with a bladed article in such a way that there was an immediate risk of serious harm.

Judge Robert Altham adjourned the case until May 17.

He was remanded in custody.

Today a spokesman from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said: “People look to our staff to set a strong example of leadership and whilst it is difficult, or possibly dangerous, to challenge anti-social behaviour by others, we are proud that our staff chose to take this action in these circumstances.”

She said Mr Bennett was shaken but unharmed.