Samurai sword attacker was knocked out by angry mob (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Samurai sword attacker was knocked out by angry mob

11:00am Thursday 1st November 2012 in News

A MAN who was knocked out after trying to chase off an angry mob from his house with a Samurai sword has been told he faces a year in prison.

Mark Smith, 28, of Midland Court, Cirencester, had denied possessing an offensive weapon until he appeared in court yesterday.

He was due to stand trial for the incident but asked Judge Jamie Tabor before the hearing started what sentence he faced if he pleaded guilty.

When he was told it would be a maximum of 12months with 'room for manoeuvre' in the light of medical and pre-sentence reports, Smith changed his plea to guilty of having an offensive weapon in Kingsmead, Cirencester, on Oct 9, 2011.

Nick O'Brien, prosecuting, had told the court "When he is sober he is civil and no trouble to anybody. When drunk, perhaps combined with mental health problems, he really does behave out of character."

Mr O'Brien said Smith had been at his girlfriend's home when a group turned up and started to cause trouble.

"He came out with a Samurai sword and waved it about," Mr O'Brien said. "There is no suggestion he used it. In fact someone seems to have knocked him out before he could use it."

Jason Coulter, defending, said Smith had been drunk at the time when a "mob" had turned up at the house. He had taken the swords which belonged to a friend as there had been aggression shown.

"After his arrest he was taken to hospital because there was some suggestion he may be sectioned," Mr Coulter said. "He clearly does have mental health problems and he is being treated for a schizophrenic difficulty."

Smith was bailed until Nov 30 for reports to be prepared.