Machete man avoids jailing

A 25-year-old man who took to the streets of Telford armed with a machete was today handed a suspended jail term. Michael Bodura was placed under supervision for 18 months.

He had brandished the 18in blade during a disturbance near his home in Weybridge, Woodside, on July 1 last year.

Bodura was on licence at the time for a manslaughter conviction imposed in 2004.

Shrewsbury Crown Court heard he was dependant on alcohol and had drunk more than three litres of cider before confronting a 15-year-old with the machete.

Mr Timothy Hannam, prosecuting, told the court Bodura had left his house to help a neighbour who was involved in a dispute with a gang.

He said when the gang returned with weapons, Bodura went back to his house to get the machete.

The teenager claimed the blade had cut his hand when he tried to protect himself, severing a nerve. Bodura was cleared of a wounding charge following a trial last month, but convicted of possessing an offensive weapon in a public place.

He was given a 12-month jail term, suspended for two years, and placed under supervision for 18 months at court today.

Judge Robin Onions also ordered Bodura to undertake an alcohol treatment programme, complete 150 hours' unpaid work and pay £500 towards costs.

He said Bodura had "grossly overreacted" to the situation and had not learned from his manslaughter conviction.

Mr Ian Ball, for Bodura, said he accepted having the weapon and was acting in self defence. Mr Bell told the court: "It was an over-reaction to the situation. The most sensible thing to do would have been to remain inside and call the police."