A dad lost his temper following an incident between children at a birthday party and attacked the host of the celebration using his martial arts skills, a court has heard. Former soldier Edward Barber armed himself with a kitchen knife and threatened to “cut up” the other father before delivering a powerful roundhouse kick to his victim.
Swansea Crown Court heard that when police went to the defendant’s house to arrest him, he told officers that he understood the law and that they were acting illegally in detaining him. Sending the 38-year-old Port Talbot man to prison, a judge told him he had “completely lost control” on the day in question, and said only an immediate custodial sentence was appropriate.
Caitlin Brazel, prosecuting, explained that on April 20 this year, the defendant’s daughter attended a 10th birthday party in a neighbour’s garden but returned home early after being bullied. A verbal confrontation ensued between the defendant and the father of the child having the party over their shared rear garden wall. Barber then armed himself with a knife, drove to the front of the house where the party was being held, and confronted the host.
He threatened to “cut up” the other man while in possession of a kitchen knife before delivering a powerful “martial arts-style roundhouse kick” and throwing punches that missed their target. The incident was witnessed by several attendees, but the children at the party did not see it. Following the attack, Barber was arrested at his home after the police’s prompt arrival.
In court, the father who was assaulted said he had been left with sleepless nights and the family was in the process of moving due to the incident. Edward Barber, of Port Talbot, pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH), possession of a knife, and driving offenses. His barrister highlighted his military background and community involvement, seeking a suspended sentence.
However, Recorder Simon Hughes noted a lack of genuine remorse and the severity of the offense. Barber was sentenced to 12 months in prison, with a concurrent term for possession of the knife. He will serve up to half the sentence before being released on licence and is subject to a restraining order. The judge emphasized the need for adult responsibility and condemned Barber’s actions during the children’s party altercation.