JAILED: Dudley machete man attacked former teammate for 'staring'
A bully who launched an attack on a former soccer team mate who "stared" at him has been locked up for 15 months.
Keanan Reid from Dudley was with three friends in Watson Green Road, Kitts Green, when the trouble started, a judge heard.
The four people walked up to the victim who was in discussion with another person, hurled abuse and repeatedly punched him in the face, said Mr Patrick Sullivan, prosecuting.
Other members of the gang also roughed up the victim who got behind a wall and picked up a stick to protect himself, continued the prosecutor.
Reid, and another of his friends, pulled out a machete which was brandished but not used before the victim was left bruised and grazed following the afternoon attack on February 22.
Jaw muscles were also damaged which made eating difficult for some time, the court heard.
He and the 21-year-old defendant had known each other for nine years and had played together in the same football team, revealed Mr Sullivan.
Reid, who was attacked and wounded in 2017, had the weapon for self protection, maintained Ms Blondelle Thompson, defending, who admitted: "It was an awful offence but the weapons were produced and not used.
"His family frown on his behaviour and he intends to change his life on release."
Reid from Cromwell Street, Dudley, was arrested on April 17 and pleaded guilty to affray and possession of a bladed article.
He was jailed by Recorder Charles Falk, who said those who arm themselves with knives can expect to end up behind bars.
He continued: "You and three others walked up and asked why he was staring before punching him.
"Due to the numbers involved and the multiple weapons on show I well understand the fear of the injured party. There was an obvious risk of disorder."
