Sunderland man who tried to hide 12-inch machete down his trousers admits biting police officer

A man who smashed up a bus stop with a 12-inch machete before attempting to bite a police officer’s knee has avoided jail after being sentenced at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court.
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Lee Fenbow, of Norton Road in Southwick was found on Hylton Lane on July 27 by police in possession of a 12-inch machete, which he had tried to hide down his trousers.

The court heard that the 30-year-old was arrested by officers and became aggressive when he was brought into custody at Southwick Police Station.

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Lee Fenbow was handed a four-month custodial sentence, suspended for 18 months.Lee Fenbow was handed a four-month custodial sentence, suspended for 18 months.
Lee Fenbow was handed a four-month custodial sentence, suspended for 18 months.

As well as pleading guilty to assaulting an emergency worker, he also pleaded guilty to possession of a bladed article in a public place.

Fenbow received a custodial sentence of four months for each offence to run concurrently, suspended for 18 months, and was ordered to pay charges to up £230 including compensation to the police officer.

He was also ordered to undertake 200 hours of unpaid work and attend 25 rehabilitation days.

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A victim impact statement from the police officer was read out in court, in which he said: “When I’m on duty in the custody suite at Southwick Police Station, I do not expect to be assaulted in anyway.”

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Annalisa Moscardini, defending Fenbow stated to the court that it was out of character with him having no previous convictions relating to violence.

Mrs Moscardini said: “The incident is out of character for Mr Fenbow and it is one that he does indeed regret.

"He was last before the court in January 2020 for being drunk and disorderly however before that, he hadn’t appeared since 2014 which was in relation to an offence regarding a motor vehicle.”

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The bench, which consisted of magistrates Mrs S. Kirtley and Miss V. Grainger told Fenbow when passing sentence that they are “satisfied that custody is the only suitable sentence due to the need to protect the public”.

Magistrates also warned him that if he misses any appointments or commits any offences within the next 18 months then he will be going to prison.

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