Man from Milton Keynes sentenced for sword attack

A man from Milton Keynes who wielded a samurai sword and threatened members of the public before assaulting a man who intervened i has been sentenced to prison.

Aaron Messenbird, 32, of Wandsworth Place, Bradwell Common, Milton Keynes, was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment at Aylesbury Crown Court on 14 October.

He had plead guilty to threatening a person with a bladed article, possession of a bladed article in a public place and assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH).

The incident happened around 9.05pm on 30 July 2026. Messenbird was carrying the sword and approached a small group of people who were in and around a van. He made threats towards them and raised the weapon in a threatening manner.

A member of the public intervened in an effort to protect those present. Messenbird then turned his attention towards him and advanced while holding the machete in the air.

During a struggle, the victim sustained injuries to his hands, including a damaged tendon requiring specialist treatment, as well as injuries to his ribs. Another member of the public then intervened, causing Messenbird to leave the scene.

A short time later, Messenbird was seen walking along Silbury Boulevard while still carrying the sword.

Thames Valley Police confirmed that he was arrested on 5 August and charged the following day.

Investigating officer PC Jordan Buchanan-Kay, of the Central Milton Keynes Neighbourhood Policing Team, said, “This was a violent and unprovoked incident in which Messenbird threatened members of the public with a potentially lethal weapon before assaulting a man who had stepped in to protect others.

“The victim suffered painful injuries, including damage to a tendon in his hand, as a result of Messenbird’s actions.

“I would also like to acknowledge the bravery of the members of the public who intervened and helped prevent this incident from becoming far more serious. Their actions undoubtedly contributed to protecting others from harm.

“However, we would always urge people not to put themselves in danger when confronted with somebody carrying a weapon. The safest course of action is to move to a place of safety and call 999 immediately, providing as much information as possible to help officers respond quickly.

“I am pleased that Messenbird has been given a custodial sentence and hope this outcome provides reassurance to the victims and the wider community that violent offending involving weapons will not be tolerated.”

Anyone with information about knife crime can report concerns to Thames Valley Police by calling 101 or online. In an emergency, always call 999.