MAGISTRATES have ordered the forfeiture and destruction of a machete that was taken out into the street during a neighbours row in Ely. Mark Lesurf had previously admitted possessing the bladed article, and this week was ordered to carry out 70 hours of

MAGISTRATES have ordered the forfeiture and destruction of a machete that was taken out into the street during a neighbours' row in Ely.

Mark Lesurf had previously admitted possessing the bladed article, and this week was ordered to carry out 70 hours of unpaid work and pay £60 costs.

The incident started when Lesurf's son argued with Leon Franklin, said prosecutor Matthew Bradbury.

Mr Franklin alleged that he was subjected to racist abuse, and remonstrated with the boy's mother.

When Mrs Lesurf came out there was some "pushing and shoving," said Mr Bradbury. Lesurf, 43, of High Barns, Ely, arrived carrying the machete with a wooden handle, and got into a verbal confrontation with Mr Franklin.

There was some disagreement about what Lesurf did with the machete, and last week the court heard evidence and decided that he did not brandish it, but held it by his side.

"Mark Lesurf grabbed the nearest thing and had no intention of harm," said Lesurf's solicitor. "There was no attempt at using the machete and no brandishing.