A MAN who threatened to kill a petrol station owner's son has been warned he could go to jail if he breaks the law again.

Aimen Tajouri, 22, also threw a cigarette on to the forecourt during the incident at the Texaco garage in Blackburn Road, Haslingden.

He was convicted of affray by a jury, but still protested his innocence, Burnley Crown Court heard.

Sentencing, Judge Raymond Bennett told the defendant, who has been in the UK for three years, that he came close to jailing him. He said: "If you had previously been convicted of violence I'd be sending you to prison. Get yourself in trouble with the courts again and that's where you'll end up."

Tajouri, of Pine Street, Haslingden, was given 100 hours community punishment. The defendant was of good character at the time of the offence in April, the court was told.

Charlotte Crangle, prosecuting, told the court the incident took place at the Texaco Garage where Tajouri was a regular customer.

He went in as the owner's son worked alone late at night, wanted a phone card on credit and became abusive.

The defendant then got a two-foot long metal rod from his car and also threw a cigarette as the victim was on the forecourt.

Miss Crangle said Tajouri returned to his car again, came back armed with a five-inch knife and threatened to kill the owner's son.

Police were called and when the defendant was later arrested he claimed there had been an exchange of words because he had been short changed. He denied making threats or having a weapon.

June Morris, defending, said Tajouri was at low risk offending and was in full time work. She said the defendant knew if he did not comply with a community sentence he risked going to jail.