A PUB chef out drinking in Skipton threatened a man with a knife he'd been using for gardening, magistrates heard.

Liam Bradbury, 31, turned up at the Working Men's Club in Keighley Road at 7pm on September 24, having already been drinking, Skipton magistrates were told on Friday.

He had earlier been at the Cock and Bottle in Swadford Street where he had swept a lamp off a table after being asked to leave because of his drunken behaviour.

At the Working Men's Club, he was also asked to leave, but argued with staff before pulling out his knife and asking a male staff member if he wanted a fight.

Police were called and found Bradbury nearby, still with the black handled lock knife in his possession.

Bradbury, of Leonard Street, Barnoldswick, admitted possessing an offensive weapon and also criminal damage of £50 to the pub lamp. He also admitted being in breach of a conditional discharge imposed by Burnley Magistrates Court in June for being drunk and disorderly and possessing cocaine.

In mitigation, John Mewies said Bradbury was dependent on alcohol as a way of coping with a number of significant family issues.

On September 24, he had been working in his garden, cutting netting when friends had invited him to go drinking in Skipton.

He had inadvertently put his knife in his pocket before drinking a significant amount, said Mr Mewies.

His partner had gone to the Cock and Bottle Pub the next day in order to pay for the damage, but it had been declined.

Magistrates adjourned sentencing for reports until November 7 and told Bradbury all options were open, including custody.