Man, 24 ‘flipped’ after losing contest

8:23pm Wednesday 18th July 2007

A MAN "flipped" after losing an arm wrestling contest with his boss's son, a court was told.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Warren Mars went back to his van on Beacon Fell View Caravan park, Longridge, and armed himself with two knives.

And as he returned to the club he threatened a couple walking with their five-month-old son and told another man: "Go away or I will stab you, I am a psycho."

Mars, 24, of North Promenade, Withernsea, East Yorkshire, pleaded guilty to affray and possessing two knives in a public place.

He was committed on bail to Preston Crown Court for sentence.

Scott Ainge, prosecuting, said Mars was working for a man called Christopher Branton and the two of them and Mr Branton's son were staying in caravans on the site while completing maintenance jobs on bridges in the area.

During Saturday night the three men had been having a drink in the site club and there had been no problems until he lost an arm wrestling contest with Mr Branton junior.

"It would appear that was the catalyst for what happened," said Mr Ainge. "Mr Branton senior said the change was so sudden it was like someone had flicked a switch."