Two men have been jailed after entering into a “violent confrontation” involving martial arts weapons on a Sunday afternoon in Barry town centre.
Andrew Franklin and Christopher Coslett have been sent to prison for a year following the fight involving two large knives as they “sought revenge” for an alleged previous assault.
Sentencing via video link from Caernarfon Crown Court, Judge Tom Hughes said: “This all happened in broad daylight on the streets of Barry in full view of members of the public. The fact there were children present is an aggravating feature.”
'Seeking revenge'
The court heard 29-year-old Coslett, from Parker Road in Ely , and 53-year-old Franklin, from Fitzalan Avenue in Llantwit Major, wanted to “seek revenge” for a previous incident.
Prosecutor Ieuan Morris said they ended up compromising the police investigation, which meant the alleged offenders were never brought to justice.
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The incident occurred in Barry town centre on Sunday, August 9. Coslett had two “very large” knives, while Franklin had a walking stick.
Both men denied affray, but were found guilty by a jury.
Defending Coslett, Nicholas Gedge said the knives were martial arts demonstration tools.
Knives 'looked fearsome'
He said: “Although they looked fearsome, they were not what they appeared to be.
“They would have looked somewhat scary. It was very unwise of him to take them into that situation.”
Speaking at Cardiff Crown Court, he emphasised his client had a “blemish-free” background and previous “impeccable good character”.
Both defending barristers stressed the men were not seeking violence.
Representing Franklin, David Maunder said the incident was a “show of force”.
He said: “He was there to scare them off, but unfortunately that did not transpire.
'An ugly incident'
“I have to accept that what took place was an ugly incident and one that Mr Franklin is by no means proud of.”
Both men handed themselves into the police following the incident.
Sentencing, Judge Hughes said: “Both of you travelled to the town centre of Barry with only one thing on your minds - to seek a violent confrontation.
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Addressing Coslett, he said: “Any knife crime in itself is a serious matter. You had selected and taken those weapons with you and taken a mask. That is an indication of your pre-meditation.”
He told Franklin he did not believe he was carrying the “so-called” walking stick to help with his mobility.
He added: “You were the one who organised the visit and decided to take the law into your own hands.”
They were both given a 12-month sentence and will serve half in prison.
see- http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/men-jailed-after-violent-confrontation-10639038
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