A MAN who had hold of a Samurai sword when police called at his Kendal flat has been handed a suspended prison term.
Carlisle Crown Court heard officers were twice called to Alastair Graham’s Lingmoor Rise address in the early hours of April 19.
Firstly Graham – who had been “drinking heavily” – was given advice amid complaints about noise and loud music. Police then returned when there were further disturbance reports.
On the second occasion, 45-year-old Graham initially refused to answer the door and was heard to say: “I’m going to cut you in half; I have a Samurai sword.”
When he did answer it, Graham was seen to be holding a three foot-long sword with a two-foot blade during a fleeting encounter lasting one or two seconds. He swiftly closed the door and was unarmed when he opened it again soon after. He was Tasered, taken to the ground and handcuffed. The sword was found in a bedroom.
Graham later admitted affray. Judge James Adkin heard he was “incredibly remorseful” for an “out of character” incident; had penned a letter of apology to police; and sought counselling to address alcohol problems.
After hearing mitigation, Judge Adkin suspended an eight-month jail term for two years, and ordered Graham to complete 250 hours’ unpaid work.
