A MAN who had a chainsaw during a violent incident in Appleby has admitted a charge of affray.

Mitchell Darren Tutty, 50, was due to have gone on trial in front of a jury at Carlisle Crown Court after previously denying an affray charge.

But he instead today entered a guilty plea to the offence during a short hearing in front of Judge Barbara Forrester.

His crime was committed in the Broad Close area of Appleby on April 27 last year.

The court heard he both accepted being in the street with a revving chainsaw and had chased somebody with it.

His barrister, Judith McCullough, said in an address to Judge Forrester: "He understands that having a chainsaw with him must have been frightening for others."

Tutty, previously of Bridge Street, Appleby, was said to be an inpatient at a secure unit.

Judge Forrester adjourned his case for preparation of comprehensive psychiatric reports.

Tutty, who was accompanied in the dock by medical personnel, is due to be sentenced for the affray at the crown court on March 6.