Samurai sword yob jailed over court order

A man who armed himself with a Samurai sword for "protection" during a night of violence in a Black Country town in which a father-of-two was killed has been jailed.

The 10-month sentence was suspended when 28-year-old Richard Lisseman was originally dealt with last November after admitting possessing an offensive weapon and having cocaine during violence outside the Spread Eagle pub in Bilston on July 10.

But he made no effort to abide by conditions imposed, Wolverhampton Crown Court heard yesterday.

Prosecutor Mr Paul Mytton said: "A very serious incident happened outside the Spread Eagle that night. He had been at the scene and returned after going to a nearby address to collect the sword.

"He said he had been drinking and taking cocaine but decided to leave after an argument to collect the sword that made him feel safe."

Father-of-two Lisseman, from Clinton Road, Bilston, claimed to have drunk 15 pints.

The earlier court hearing had been told that while he was away collecting the sword, three people were stabbed and one person killed. Judge John Warner yesterday told jobless Lisseman, who admitted breaching the court order: "You wilfully and persistently refused to comply with this.

"You were given a chance when the sentence was suspended and did not take it so the prison term will be activated in full."

Tom Berry, a 34-year-old plasterer from Bilston, was stabbed to death near the Spread Eagle after leaving a wedding reception at Bilston Town Hall for a cigarette.

Ricky Shaw, aged 22, of no fixed address, has been charged with murder and is due to stand trial at Wolverhampton Crown Court on January 26.