Alun Powell, who dresses up in armour for battle reconstructions, used a 14th century sword to threaten a man, a court has heard
The court heard how Mr Powell had been persecuted for years by anti-social behaviour including drug smoking outside his home and rubbish being pushed through his letterbox
A “KNIGHT” threatened a man with a 14th century sword in a bust-up with yobs outside his home, a court heard.
Alun Powell, who dresses in armour for battle re-enactments, pulled the 3ft blade and an axe from the boot of his car after brandishing a knuckleduster, the jury were told.
The dad of four, 31, was accused of “taking a fighting stance” then smashing a car window with the sword as the group of youths fled.
Prosecutors claimed he grabbed Kamil Ahmed around the throat.
Powell had been plagued by years of anti-social behaviour including cars revving outside, people smoking drugs and rubbish shoved in his letterbox, Newport crown court heard.
Prosecutor Nuhu Gobir said: “He was clearly angry. Instead of calling police he went outside and put himself in danger by arming himself with a knuckleduster.
“He showed it to the crowd. He grabbed Mr Ahmed by the throat even though there had been no threats towards him. He went to his car and grabbed a sword and axe.
“He said in a police interview that he ‘saw red’.
“He told Mr Ahmed and another complainant that he was going to kill them. They saw the weapons and left as quickly as possible.”
Asked why he owned the sword, Powell said he was a “medieval sports enthusiast” who fought at castles using blunt weapons, including his replica “14th century” blade.
Powell said he had represented Wales in the sport’s World Cup.
Jenny Yeo, defending, told the jury one man had threatened Powell’s dad, who recently had a stroke.
She said Powell held the weapons in a downward position and did not intend to use them.
Jurors yesterday cleared him of assault and of using the weapons to make threats, but found him guilty of possessing offensive weapons.
Judge Christopher Vosper QC told Powell: “The starting guidelines for these charges is a custodial term.”
Powell was bailed and the case adjourned for reports.
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