A 26-year-old man from Willaston has been fined £150 after admitting being found drunk in a public place.

Stephen Michael Horner, of Greeba Road, was also banned from purchasing or being sold alcohol for three months.

Prosecutor Rebecca Cubbon told the court how, on January 26 at 2.30am, police were called to an address in Greeba Road after a report of a disturbance.

Horner was said to have a knife and be threatening self-harm. When police arrived they found him outside the address agitated and distressed.

He was put in handcuffs because of the knife accusation but no weapon was ever found. Horner was said to be slurring his words, smelling of alcohol, and had glazed eyes.

Defence advocate Matthew Wilshaw said: ’Mr Horner does have previous convictions but the last alcohol-related one is four years ago.

’On the night he had been out drinking with family. He would be the first to admit he drunk too much. He got into an argument with his sister. There was no knife. He doesn’t know where that part of the allegation has come from.’

Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes also ordered Horner to pay £125 prosecution costs.