Samurai sword attacker who was fought off by a bystander wielding a SPIRIT LEVEL is jailed for just 12 months

Aaron Messenbird, 32, waved the blade at a group gathered around a van in Milton Keynes at about 9pm on July 30. One man who stepped in to protect them suffered tendon damage to his hand and rib injuries. CCTV later caught Messenbird strolling elsewhere still clutching the sword. He was arrested on August 5 and pleaded guilty at Aylesbury Crown Court.

His guilty pleas covered threats with a bladed article and actual bodily harm.

Police called it a 'violent and unprovoked' attack with a 'potentially lethal weapon'.

Thames Valley Police acknowledged the courage shown by the bystanders, while warning the public that calling 999 is the right course of action.