Man Sentenced for Samurai Sword Attack Foiled by Bystanders

A man who threatened a group of people with a samurai sword in Milton Keynes has been sentenced to 12 months in prison. Aaron Messenbird, 32, attacked the group in an unprovoked incident on July 30.

During the assault, one bystander attempted to intervene and suffered hand injuries, including tendon damage requiring specialist treatment, along with rib injuries. Another member of the public managed to fend off Messenbird with a spirit level.

Messenbird fled the scene but was later seen still carrying the sword. He was arrested on August 5 and pleaded guilty to charges including threatening someone with a bladed article, possessing a bladed article in public, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. He was sentenced at Aylesbury Crown Court.

Detective Constable Jordan Buchanan-Kay stated that the incident was "violent and unprovoked" and that Messenbird had threatened people with a "potentially lethal weapon." He commended the bravery of the bystanders who intervened, noting that their actions helped prevent the situation from escalating further.

"However, we would always urge people not to put themselves in danger when confronted with somebody carrying a weapon," Buchanan-Kay added. "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."

Messenbird resided at Wandsworth Place, Bradwell Common, Milton Keynes.