Wood thug jailed for six years

Matthew Potts, 25, became involved in a verbal altercation with a group of youths – including his ex-girlfriend – outside the Bay Housing Association office in Clare Street, Blackpool.

Potts started walking away from the group, claiming he felt intimidated, but as he passed a nearby bin he saw a piece of wood in it and picked it up.

He returned to the group and started swinging the wood, which appeared to be a piece of broken furniture with staples in.

As he swung it he hit a 15-year-old boy in his legs and caused bruising – although the youngster said he had not been struck with the nailed end.

Potts pleaded guilty to common assault and possession of an offensive weapon and appeared at Preston Crown Court to be sentenced.

Judge Pamela Badley told him: “In my view, despite your guilty plea, this is a matter which is so serious only a custodial sentence can be justified. Those who carry a weapon in public and utilise a weapon in the way you did can lead to further disorder on the streets.”

Potts, of Stanley Street, Blackpool, has previous convictions for theft, criminal damage and assault. Judge Badley jailed him for six months and ordered him to pay a surcharge.