Police in knife warning after sword killing in Oswestry car park
Police have warned of the dangers of carrying knives after a Shropshire teenager was jailed for manslaughter.
Richard Reece, 19, was locked up for 12 years for killing 21-year-old Danny Jones by stabbing him with an ornamental sword, modelled on one used in The Lord of the Rings films, in a fight in Oswestry.
Detective Inspector Steve Tonks, who led the investigation for West Mercia Police, said today he hoped the sentence would be a discouragement to others against using knives as weapons.
"This incident demonstrates, yet again, that the carrying of knives or other bladed weapons runs a huge risk of ending in tragic consequences," he said.
"What started as an argument and developed into a scuffle, resulted in a young man losing his life because a blade was produced.
"Reece left the scene to arm himself and the moment he took the sword back, there was always the risk of a fatal outcome.
"This case sends out a clear message about violent crime and those prepared to arm themselves with weapons. Anyone carrying a knife or similar bladed instrument as a weapon will be arrested, charged and put before the courts. They can expect a lengthy prison sentence."
Reece, of Lord Street, Oswestry, was found guilty of the manslaughter of trainee accountant Mr Jones, of Chirk, during a fight in April on Wednesday following a two week trial at Birmingham Crown Court.
He will serve at least half of his 12 year sentence.
DI Tonks said knife crime is relatively rare, but said that is no reason to become complacent.
"We urge people to listen to the police and others when they issue warnings and advice about carrying knifes. There is never any excuse."
