‘Knight got out sword’ in row over behaviour

A “MEDIEVAL sports” enthusiast threatened a man with his sword after a row about anti-social behaviour outside his house, a court heard.

Alun Powell allegedly pulled the 3ft weapon from the boot of his car after getting into a fight.

The 31-year-old told the court he dressed up as a knight for sword-fighting displays at castles.

Newport Crown Court heard Mr Powell had represented Wales in the equivalent of the sport’s world cup. Nuhu Gobir, prosecuting, said Mr Powell attacked Kamil Ahmed after being blighted by anti-social behaviour outside his house.

Mr Powell went outside to photograph the offenders, but he and Mr Ahmed allegedly began to fight.

Mr Gobir said that Mr Powell then went to his car and retrieved a sword and an axe.

Jenny Yeo, defending, asked Mr Powell why he had the weapons. He said: “I take part in historical medieval battles.”

He said the sword was a replica “14th century European sword”.

He said he had been plagued by antisocial behaviour for three years with cars revving outside his house and people smoking drugs in the street.

Mr Powell, of Maindee, Newport, denies assault by beating and threatening a person with bladed articles in a public place. The trial continues.