Pennine magistrates heard Nadeem Ayoub and his brother had had an argument over clothes. They were said to constantly row and use violence - and their mother was sick of it.

Ayoub was arrested and quizzed by police and told officers he got the knife to scare his brother. He had no previous convictions.

The defendant (18), of Bracewell Street, Nelson, admitted affray and possessing cannabis. He was given 90 days in jail, suspended for 12 months, with 150 hours unpaid work. The chairman of the Bench told him: "You are going to have to grow up otherwise life is going to give you one big kicking."

Mrs Christiana Buchanan (prosecuting) told the court the defendant's mother would say he and his brother often fell out. She heard a lot of screaming and shouting but did not think it was unusual.

She went downstairs, the argument continued and she could heard screaming from Ayoub. She got the impression his brother had hit him.

Mrs Buchanan said the defendant then picked up a kitchen knife with a 5in. blade. His brother barricaded himself into the bathroom and Ayoub stabbed the door.

Mr Graeme Tindall (defending) said the offence appeared to have been out of character. He continued: "His brother was planning to leave and take some of the defendant's clothes with him."