A WOMAN trying to end her violent marriage looked up from her bed to see her husband standing over her brandishing a chef's knife in one hand and a meat cleaver in the other, a court heard.

Blackburn magistrates were told Gay Usman was terrified and shouted for her children as she retreated across the room.

The court heard David Usman followed her, not saying a word but holding the large knife above his head.

He was eventually dragged away by their 15-year-old son, giving Mrs Usman and her 11-year-old daughter a chance to barricade themselves in the bedroom.

Usman, 44, of Lynwood Avenue, Darwen, pleaded guilty to affray. He was given a community rehabilitation order for 12 months with a condition that he attends a domestic violence programme.

Claire Fanning, prosecuting, said that on the day of the incident Usman had received a letter from his wife's solicitors giving him notice to leave the matrimonial home. There had been problems in recent years and violence within the marriage.

Mrs Usman was woken at 4.45am by her husband, who asked how could she do this to him.

He went downstairs but returned minutes later armed with the knife and the meat cleaver, the court was told.

Basharat Ditta, defending, said his client had no previous convictions. He said Usman was well-respected and had a degree in civil engineering.

"He had been married for a long time and he could not comprehend or understand the disagreement in the home that led to him receiving a solicitor's letter," said Mr Ditta.