A loving dad-of-two claims attempts to protect his family led to him being taken to court, causing him to lose his livelihood.

Gravesend resident Harjit Singh Cheema was given a suspended jail sentence in August after he attempted to scare two men off his property, armed with a sword, on June 23.

However, Mr Cheema says he is the victim, after being forced to confront the strangers, who were reportedly fighting in his driveway, at about 10pm.

He said the aggressive men, who were allegedly high on drugs and "foaming at the mouth", threatened his wife and sleeping children.

The 38-year-old, who lives near Echo Square, told News Shopper: "I have lost my job, I lost my livelihood.

"This left me depressed. I am the victim here.

"My question would be to other men if threats were made to their family, what would they do?

"Sit back and let it happen or do something to protect the ones they love?"

Mr Cheema went inside his house and instinctively grabbed the first thing he could find, his Sikh ceremonial sword.

He said he could just have easily emerged from the house with an umbrella.

Mr Cheema said his wife phoned the police to report the aggressive men, however it was her husband who was arrested - after admitting he had carried a sword.

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Mr Cheema said: "They were 8ft away from the front door arguing swearing aggressively.

"When I opened my front door and requested they move on and take their argument away from my property, the two of them became very aggressive and threatening towards me.

"One of them reached in to their waist band and was attempting to pull out what could only be a weapon or a gun.

"My biggest fear was when the two of them told me that they would attack my family."

He added: "At no time was this a pre-meditated action."

Mr Cheema, who has a 10-year-old daughter and a seven-year-old autistic son, added: "I would do the same again to protect my family.

"These people were absolutely off their face with drugs.

"I still live in fear of them returning. My wife has nightmares."

Mr Cheema was given a 26-week prison sentence, suspended for one year, at Medway Magistrates Court - after pleading guilty to possession of a bladed article.

No other arrests were made in relation to the incident.