An "erratic" man who ran back to his home to get a knife following an altercation was seen throwing it into the River Taff after being chased by another man. He was heard outside the Principality Stadium saying "I am going to get someone."
John Murray, 22, was in Cardiff city centre at around 10pm on June 15 with three others when he was described by witnesses as "shouting, gesturing and extremely annoyed". He was stood on the boardwalk adjoining the stadium and was seen waving a large knife.
A sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court on Thursday heard Murray was seen taking his top off on the Wood Street Bridge and was chased by another man. He was then seen throwing the knife into the River Taff.
The police were called and detained the defendant, was was described as acting in an "erratic manner", and threatening to stab a man he referred to as "Rambo". CCTV was retrieved from Murray's home in Litchfield Court, Tudor Street, Riverside.
Prosecutor Jenny Yeo said the footage showed Murray entering the communal door of Litchfield Court and kicking the door of his flat before walking back out concealing something under his shirt, the weapon. He then jumped a fence into Tudor Street.
Murray was interviewed and denied both offences but he later pleaded guilty to possession of a knife and affray. The court heard he had previous convictions for affray and possession of cocaine and cannabis.
Defence barrister James Evans said his client did not get "anywhere near anyone" with the knife and had the "good sense" to get rid of the weapon. He said the defendant suffered ADHD and had been the victim of a serious assault prior to the offence which "clouded his processes".
Sentencing, Judge Catherine Richards said: "The offence took place late at night in the city centre. You took a knife when angry and under the influence of drugs. The result of what could have happened was highly unpredictable."
Murray was sentenced to nine months imprisonment suspended for 18 months. He was also ordered to carry out a 30 day rehabilitation activity requirement.
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