A Blackburn man threatened and lunged at members of his family during a heated confrontation about his upcoming wedding.

Mohammed Ayub, 23, went to the home address of his aunt, uncle, and cousin at around 7.30pm on July 20 and immediately confronted them.

Preston Crown Court heard how the night before, Ayub’s uncle had met with his father to discuss the postponement of Ayub’s planned wedding due to his health and family finances.

Having not taken news of the agreement well, Ayub confronted his family and became more aggressive as the incident progressed.

Niamh Ingham, prosecuting, said CCTV showed a knife being produced and the defendant lunging at his victims who continued to try and calm him.

Ms Ingham said Ayub continued to shout things such as ‘you should be dead’ and ‘no one will miss you’.

Ayub lunged towards his uncle’s stomach but he managed to step out of the way. He did not make contact with any of his victims.

Police arrived and promptly arrested Ayub who, in interview, gave a short pre-prepared statement saying he had felt threatened and he claimed to have the knife as he used it at work.

Ayub, of Oak Street, Blackburn, was of previous good character.

Defending Ayub, Eleanor Mitten said: “This incident, which is undoubtedly serious, is entirely out of character for him.

“He is otherwise a hard working individual and a valued colleague and friend.

“This was not a good point in time for family relations. There were issues of money being owed. Those issues got completely out of hand.

“He does take responsibility for his actions and he is remorseful and regretful for them.”

Ayub pleaded guilty to possession of a bladed article and affray three weeks after a plea and trial preparation hearing.

Sentencing, Judge Ian Unsworth did not relay the facts of the case, simply saying they related to a “worrying incident on July 20 which has its background in sensitive family domestic matters arising from arrangements of the defendant’s proposed wedding.”

Judge Unsworth sentenced Ayub to 12 months in prison suspended for 12 months, saying he was satisfied there is a realistic prospect of rehabilitation.

Ayub will also have to complete 10 rehabilitation activity requirement days, 180 hours unpaid work, and will be subject to a restraining order against his aunt, uncle, and cousin for five years.