Machete attacker’s sentence was ‘to protect the public’
A“DANGEROUS” machete attacker was rightly given a hefty sentence to “protect the public”, senior judges have ruled.
Joseph John Sultana, 22, of Greenfarm Road, got an eight-year jail term at Cardiff Crown Court on January 8.
He admitted wounding with intent and having an offensive weapon, Mrs Justice Nicola Davies told London’s Appeal Court yesterday.
Labelled a danger to the public, he was also ordered to serve an extra four years on licence after his release.
The “extended” sentence meant he was likely to serve two-thirds, rather than the usual half, of his jail term behind bars.
Perry Thomas was walking along busy Cowbridge Road West, in Cardiff, on November 8 last year, the court heard.
He saw Sultana getting out of a taxi. There had been previously been “animosity” between the two men.
When Mr Thomas said “What’s up?,” Sultana responded, “I will show you what’s up.”
He produced a large machete from a bag, moved towards the victim and struck out at him with the weapon.
Mr Thomas raised his arm in selfdefence and suffered a deep wound to his forearm which needed surgery.
CCTV footage of the attack “did not make for attractive viewing,” said Mrs Justice Davies.
Sultana had six previous convictions for crimes including affray, the court heard.
A probation officer’s report said he smoked cannabis on a daily basis.
The judge who jailed him said he “did not care if anyone saw him carrying out this very serious attack”.
Gerard Hillman, for Sultana, did not challenge the judge’s finding of dangerousness but argued he should not have got an extended sentence.
“Such rehabilitation and training as is required” could be given during a conventional jail term, he told the court.
But Mrs Justice Davies said: “The extended nature of this sentence is appropriate to protect the public from the risk which he poses.
“The sentence imposed cannot be described as wrong in principle still less, manifestly excessive.
“Accordingly this application is dismissed,” ruled the judge, who was sitting with two others. or,