**Men Jailed After Reckless Driving and Samurai Sword Threat in Swansea**
A dramatic ordeal unfolded on a busy Swansea road when two men, Lathan Gray and Stephen Harris, engaged in reckless driving before threatening a family with a Samurai sword. Swansea Magistrates’ Court was told how their actions turned a routine evening into a distressing experience for parents and their young child.
The incident began around 6.20pm on 20 April, when Gray and Harris were seen in a Citroen Xsara Picasso executing handbrake turns and wheelspins along Llangyfelach Road, Treboeth. Witnesses described how the main road, ordinarily busy with both vehicles and pedestrians, became the stage for dangerous manoeuvres that disrupted traffic and endangered public safety.
Matters escalated following a near miss involving a passing motorist, whose attempt to remonstrate with the pair was met with aggression. Instead of desisting, Harris and Gray reportedly pursued the motorist’s car in what police later described as a “threatening and intimidating manner.” The family in the vehicle – a couple with their seven-year-old child – must have felt extremely vulnerable as the situation intensified.
Upon arriving at a nearby Texaco petrol station, the motorist hoped to diffuse the confrontation. Instead, Harris blocked the family’s escape route with the Citroen, while Gray exited the passenger side. In a move described as calculated to inspire fear, Gray lifted his jumper, revealing the handle of a Samurai sword concealed in his trousers. The presence of the young child in the car made the threat particularly egregious.
Police swiftly intervened after being alerted by concerned bystanders. Officers soon found the Citroen a short distance from the petrol station. A subsequent search uncovered not only the Samurai sword but also a kitchen knife and a hammer, further heightening concern about the duo’s intentions. In addition, the vehicle bore false registration plates, and checks revealed Harris was already disqualified from driving.
The ensuing court case resulted in both men admitting multiple offences. Lathan Gray, 27, of Jersey Road, Bonymaen, pleaded guilty to affray and possession of a bladed article. His co-defendant, 29-year-old Stephen Harris of Eaton Crescent, Uplands, admitted to driving while disqualified, drink-driving, driving without insurance, fraudulent use of a registration mark, and possession of an offensive weapon.
Sentencing reflected the seriousness of the offences. Gray received a total of 48 weeks’ imprisonment, while Harris was jailed for 26 weeks. In addition to his custodial term, Harris was banned from driving for five years and 13 weeks. Both men were told they would serve up to half their sentences in custody before being released on licence.
Detective Inspector Danielle Thorne, of South Wales Police, commented on the case, stating: “Stephen Harris and Lathan Gray are two men who believe that the law does not apply to them. Their intimidating behaviour, particularly towards a family with a young child, was totally disgraceful. We hope they take their time in prison to reflect on the consequences of their thuggish actions.”
This incident is a stark reminder of the potential consequences of dangerous and anti-social behaviour on the roads. It also highlights the importance of prompt police intervention to protect the public and uphold community safety. While both perpetrators now face the repercussions of their actions, the community hopes such distressing occurrences will be deterred in future.