Drug addict Andrew Naylor had previously been barred from entering the Revoe Library and trouble arose when he was asked to leave the premises.

In the scenes that followed he twice pulled the trigger on the "pistol" while other staff and members of the public were present.

Naylor, 27, formerly of Central Drive, Blackpool, pleaded guilty to possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence when he appeared before Preston Crown Court.

The offence took place on January 28.

The court was told how Naylor pulled out an imitation gun when asked to leave.

It looked like a self-loading pistol.

He pointed it at the head of a female librarian, as another woman sat nearby.

Members of the public were in the library at the time.

Naylor twice pulled the trigger on the gun, leaving everyone frightened by what was taking place. The weapon turned out to be a plastic ball bearing gun.

The court had deferred sentence at an earlier date to give the defendant the opportunity to reside at a Blackburn-based project helping people with drug addiction.

His barrister, Miss Julie Taylor, told the sentencing hearing that Naylor was seemingly making very good progress at the project and was highly motivated for the future.

Judge Robert Brown told Naylor it was a serious offence, for which a custodial sentence would usually be imposed.

However, he added: "I'm satisfied the circumstances are exceptional in this particular case. There was no malice in you.

"The offence was committed at a time when you were very much addicted to drugs.

"Since that time you have had the opportunity to reside at the project and that seems to have been very successful.

"You are taking active steps to combat the addiction to drugs.

"Further progress depends very much on your co-operation."

Naylor was placed on 18 months supervision, with a requirement to live where directed by the probation service.