A WOMAN brandished a kitchen knife in the street, making threats towards other women who were waiting for a taxi.

Blackburn magistrates heard Courtney Armstrong challenged Nichola Thomas to a fight before the knife was taken off her by another woman who suffered a cut to her hand in disarming her.

Armstrong, 26, of Primrose Street, Accrington, pleaded guilty to possessing a knife in a public place. She was committed on bail to be sentenced at Burnley Crown Court on April 20.

Alex Mann, prosecuting, said Miss Thomas was outside the Continental Discount Store with friends at 2am waiting for a taxi home.

"All of a sudden the defendant was in the road brandishing a knife and asking her if she wanted to fight," said Mrs Mann.

"While she was making threats she was also trying to stab herself."

Peter Turner, defending, said his client had been self-harming for a number of years and was getting support from her GP.

"She has a limited memory of that evening and according to one of her friend she only had three drinks," said Mr Turner.

"The friend believes one of those drinks was spiked.

"Prior to this incident she had also been assaulted and knocked unconscious which may also of had some bearing on her behaviour."