Man hit his neighbour in row over fireworks
A MAN punched his neighbour for complaining about fireworks then brandished “kung fu knives” at him.
Duane Brown became enraged on November 14 when neighbour Nicholas Williams challenged him for setting off fireworks in the street.
Brown, 36, appeared at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court on Thursday and admitted assaulting Mr Williams as well as wielding two knives on the victim’s property.
Prosecutor Jermel Anderson said Brown was initially charged with having a “machete” in Cae Ffynnon, Bridegnd, but the wording of the charge was changed to “training knives”.
Brown, of Maes Talcen in Brackla, told the court: “It’s for kung fu it is. It’s not sharp. It could be deemed as threatening. If someone presented it to me, I’d be like...” To illustrate his point the defendant tilted his head back and raised his eyebrows.
Mr Anderson said: “The defendant was in a state of intoxication and had been drinking for quite some time. He had gone into the street and let off some fireworks. Mr Williams approached and asked him what was happening.
“In the fallout the defendant punched him once to the face. Mr Williams returned home. The defendant also returned home but came back outside and crossed the threshold of the neighbour’s driveway, holding two training knives which were identified previously as machetes.
“The Crown’s position is that these might be props and part of a martial arts club but they are bladed articles. They were possessed in a public place and used in a way which did cause distress to Mr Williams.”
Brown’s lawyer Garth James said there was “very substantial mitigation” meaning his client should not go to prison but he added sentencing was beyond the powers of the magistrates.
Presiding Justice Jason Bartlett adjourned the case to December 16 for sentencing at Cardiff Crown Court. He bailed Brown and ordered him not to go to Cae Ffynnon or contact the victim.