Samurai sword among weapons at Sunderland street stand-off

Kurt May narrowly escaped jail at Newcastle Crown Court after a argument with two other men turned ugly and they all left to gather weapons and engaged in a stand off.

The 21-year-old was staying at a hostel on Toward Road when the disagreement began with two men who were staying at other hostels on the road.

Prosecutor Vincent Ward told the court that the three men returned to their respective hostels where May grabbed his samurai sword and the other men picked up a metal bar and another weapon.

Witnesses said May threatened to “chop them up”. When police arrived May invited them into his flat, it had already been put back in its place on his wall.

May admitted affray and possession of a bladed article. The court heard that no one was injured during the altercation.

Mr Ward added: “He is not heavily convicted but there is some violence there.

Jamie Adams, defending, said: “Kurt May is a young man who has lost his way a bit in life brought about by a number of things. He wants to sort himself out.

Judge Amanda Rippon handed May one last chance and said: “These are serious offences. He is being given an opportunity and he cannot complain because I could lock him up today.”

Judge Rippon sentenced May to a total of 15 months in prison suspended for two years. She also ordered that the samurai sword be destroyed.