A MAN who had been drinking heavily threatened his 17-year-old son with a metal bar when he intervened in a row between his parents.

Blackburn magistrates heard the family affair also involved the defendant's father who disapproved of his son's drinking.

Asad Abas Shah, 37, of Willow Drive, Nelson, pleaded guilty to assaulting his son. He was sentenced to eight weeks in prison suspended for 12 months. A community order imposed in June for offences which also included his family was revoked.

Sazeeda Ismail, prosecuting, said the teenager heard a row between his father and mother. His dad was asking for the car keys and saying he would smash the window if she didn't give it to him.

"His father came out of the house with a metal bar and hit the window of the car," said Miss Ismail. "He asked his father to stop and at that point he turned towards him and raised the bar above his head."

Miss Ismail said the boy was scared his father was going to hit him and managed to take the bar off him.

"He then picked up a brick and again came towards his son who ran off," said Miss Ismail.

Mark Williams, defending, said the offences earlier in the year had involved his client's family.

"The incidents all seem to revolve around him coming home in drink and causing problems which lead to the police being called," said Mr Williams.

"On Saturday he wanted to get his cigarettes and money out of the car and this led to an argument with his son. He accepts threats were made. His drinking causes significant issues in the family."