A UNIVERSITY student armed with an 8in knife charged at a group of people outside a block of flats, a court heard.
Adrian Volintiru, 37, claimed he had been threatened by the same group in Colchester the day before and retaliated by threatening them with the weapon when he saw them outside his block of flats in Magdalen Street, Colchester, last June.
Police rushed to the scene and threatened him with a Taser before arresting him, Ipswich Crown Court heard.
Daniel Mosey, prosecuting, said Volintiru told officers at the police station his actions were “in relation to what happened yesterday” but then answered no comment to all further questions.
“There was a risk of serious disorder,” Mr Mosey added.
Volintiru, now of the Oaks, Essex University, Colchester, admitted affray and threatening a person with a blade in a public place.
Francesca Alozie, mitigating, said: “He does not accept the full prosecution facts.
“However, in regard to the significant statement he made… it brings a context of how the incident arose.
"He believed they were waiting for him – that’s why he approached the group in that manner.”
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She said the management and marketing student has a history of mental health concerns and is suitable for support from the Probation Service.
Recorder Paul Sharkey said: “You emerged from accommodation carrying a knife concealed in a plastic bag – you ran towards them and attempted to punch one of the males.
“A fight followed when you were taken to the ground, punched, and kicked – you produced the knife and slashed it in the direction of those involved, narrowly missing one person.
“There was a very real risk of grave consequences – the possession of knives in public places presents a serious danger to the community.
“The knife was not merely carried – it was produced and brandished in a busy street.
“It must have been terrifying for members of the public watching there in the middle of Colchester at 4pm on a Sunday afternoon.”
Volintiru was sentenced to one year in prison, suspended for 18 months, and ordered to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work.
He must also complete an 18-month probation requirement, a one-year mental health treatment requirement, and pay a £187 victim surcharge.
The knife will be destroyed.
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