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Samurai attacker's lonely heart plea
A samurai sword attacker serving an 11-year prison sentence wants to be your friend.
Wearside villain Wayne Bates has posted a lonely heart-style advert on the Internet, appealing for would-be pen pals to get in touch.
Bates, 27, of Chilton Moor, is serving his sentence in Durham prison after he threatened passers-by with a hunting knife, then drew a Samurai sword and held a man hostage in his own home in 2003.
The friends4lifers.com website has personal statements from a number of convicts serving time in prisons across the country.
They ask for people to write to them so they can strike up friendships from their cells.
Bates writes: "I am very loyal, honest with old school principles.
"I know how to have a laugh and can even laugh at myself."
He goes on to say he plays football, and has written a book of poetry and a book for children while in prison.
Bates pleaded guilty to charges of false imprisonment, attempting to kidnap and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.
At the time, Newcastle Crown Court heard how he jumped into a car belonging to a 34-year-old woman as she drove through Houghton.
He brandished a hunting knife and a four-foot Samurai sword before she escaped from the car.
He then ran to the door of a home in Briar Lea and threatened the owner by putting a knife to his throat.
Bates' message is just one of a number that appear on the website.
There are a number of other prisoners from across the North East also leaving messages looking for friendship.
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Weather for Sunderland
Tuesday 07 February 2012
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