BF2S Forums Footballer tackles opponent with chainsaw

Anthony Lloyd, 20, was ordered off the park pitch for foul language but returned with the running power tool and tried to chop the hands off rival Paul Westwood while yelling: "I'm a crank."

Prosecutor Laura Plant told the court: "They heard an engine start and saw the defendant coming out of the bushes revving a chainsaw.

"The victim's friend ran off, leaving him cornered by the defendant."

Lloyd began thrusting the chainsaw at Mr Westwood, cutting his chest.

Ms Plant added: "He tried to chop his hands off while Mr Westwood was defending himself. He then walked off."

Guildford Crown Court heard that Lloyd, who had been drinking, had seven previous convictions and was on a conditional discharge for possessing a knife when he went on the rampage on Horley, Surrey.

Police caught up with Lloyd shortly before 3am on July 23, and the weapon was later found in the same road.

Lloyd admitted possessing an offensive weapon and affray at the hearing.

Judge Neil Stewart sentenced Lloyd to 12 months' imprisonment, suspended for two years, and ordered him to attend a drug rehabilitation program.

He said: "You had been drinking, you were unpleasant, you went away and then for some reason you brought back a chainsaw which was running.

"Paul Westwood was at your mercy, cowering under a bush. Mercifully, almost miraculously one might say, it only resulted in a superficial cut.

"Your offending behavior is very closely tied up with the extent to which you will carry on taking drugs and drinking."