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A have-a-go hero managed to fend off a man armed with a samurai sword using only his spirit level.
Aaron Messenbird, 32, was caught on camera swinging a sword and threatening members of the public in Milton Keynes on July 30.
Carrying the sword, he approached a small group of people who hanging out by a van.
He made threats towards them and ‘raised the weapon in a threatening manner’, police said.
One brave member of the public tried to wrestle the blade off him to protect his friends but suffered serious injuries to his hands, including a damaged tendon and a rib injury.
Soon, two other men ran at him, one holding a spirit level forcingMessenbird to flee.
A short time later, Messenbird was seen walking along Silbury Boulevard while still carrying the sword.
He was arrested on August 5 and charged the following day.
Investigating officer PC Jordan Buchanan-Kay, of the Central Milton Keynes Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: ‘This was a violent and unprovoked incident in which Messenbird threatened members of the public with a potentially lethal weapon before assaulting a man who had stepped in to protect others.
‘The victim suffered painful injuries, including damage to a tendon in his hand, as a result of Messenbird’s actions.
‘I would also like to acknowledge the bravery of the members of the public who intervened and helped prevent this incident from becoming far more serious. Their actions undoubtedly contributed to protecting others from harm.
‘However, we would always urge people not to put themselves in danger when confronted with somebody carrying a weapon. The safest course of action is to move to a place of safety and call 999 immediately, providing as much information as possible to help officers respond quickly.
‘I am pleased that Messenbird has been given a custodial sentence and hope this outcome provides reassurance to the victims and the wider community that violent offending involving weapons will not be tolerated.’
Messenbird, of Wandsworth Place, Bradwell Common, Milton Keynes, was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment at Aylesbury Crown Court.