Wednesbury man who wave samurai at yobs is spared jail

Jun 1 2010 by Chris Henwood, Birmingham Mail

A SANDWELL man who waved a Samurai sword at a gang of abusive yobs he claimed were behaving “like a pack of hyenas” has been spared going behind bars.

Matthew Davies told police the youths had regularly posed problems by swearing at people living in the area and pelting them with missiles.

The 42-year-old, of Heathfield Lane West, Wednesbury, went to his home to pick up the one-metre-long sword and he waved it at the gang, Wolverhampton Crown Court heard.

But he was reported to the police and, when officers arrived on the scene, Davies had the sword hidden down the front of his trousers.

Oliver Woolhouse, defending, said Davies had “come to the end of his tether” with the troublesome youths who had been calling people names, throwing missiles at them, riding their motorbikes noisily and causing damage.

“Under the influence of alcohol, his judgement was clouded and it was in something of a temper that he went out with the sword to clear the park,” said Mr Woolhouse.

Davies admitted being in possession of a bladed article and was jailed for 26 weeks, suspended for 18 months. He was also placed under supervision for 18 months.

Judge Martin Walsh told Davies it was clearly a spontaneous act, adding: “You were intoxicated and you came into contact with these aggressive youths.”

Prosecutor Alka Brigue said Davies waved the sword a few times.