A REDDITCH man threatened to kill his former girlfriend and turned up at her home armed with a hammer-like weapon after losing his job.

Ibrahim Akhlaq, aged 23, became angry after finding out his ex-girlfriend had a miscarriage, Worcester Magistrates' Court heard on Thursday (May 31).

Akhlaq appeared before magistrates after being found guilty at trial of possessing an offensive weapon in public and using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour with intent to cause fear of unlawful violence on May 25.

He also pleaded guilty to a charge of using a public communication network to send a message that was grossly offensive, indecent, obscene or menacing of character.

Akhlaq's messages read: "I am coming for you - you made me lose my job. You are dead now. I am coming to your house."

Lesley Ashton, prosecuting, said: "She was upset and disturbed by the messages she had received and was convinced he would carried out the threat.

"[The miscarriage] upset him and he had taken the day off work. His contract was then terminated. This he felt, was her fault because she had a miscarriage. He was not able to provided medical proof to employers."

Akhlaq visited his ex-girlfriend's address in Worcester on February 22, where he tried to approach her but was stopped by neighbours who tackled him to the ground.

He was seen to take an object resembling a hammer out of his trousers.

In a statement to police, the victim's sister said: "He pushed passed me. I explained to him he was not welcome and that the police were on their way.

"He held it [the weapon] as if he was going to use it in a punching action.

"I was afraid for my sister and myself. I thought he would try to hit her with the hammer."

Akhlaq, of Eckington Close, was heard to say: "I will be coming back with my boys. Don't think I will be on my own."

Officers detained Akhlaq and searched his vehicle, where they found the hammer-like tool in the footbed.

Magistrates issued Akhlaq with a restraining order, which means he cannot contact the victim directly or indirectly through a third party or visit Cranham Drive.

He was also handed a 12-month community order with 12 rehabilitation days, and was ordered to carry out 180 hours of unpaid work and pay £700 in costs. No compensation was given to the victim.