He had made an ill-judged comment to a woman ‘in jest’, sparking the incident
Michael Knighton appeared at Hull Crown Court(Image: Hull Live)
A heavy-drinking troublemaker angrily started wielding an axe when a nasty confrontation suddenly erupted after he made an ill-judged comment to a woman “in jest”. Aggressive and agitated Michael Knighton thought that his off-the-cuff quip was funny – but it upset her and the two men who were with her. The argument escalated out of control and he used the axe to damage a car during the “terrible” disturbance.
He claimed that he feared for the safety of his girlfriend but he later calmed down and had since vowed never to drink again, Hull Crown Court heard. Knighton, 38, of Richardson Place, Pocklington, admitted possessing an axe in public, affray and causing criminal damage to a car in Bridlington on October 11, 2024.
Holly Thompson, prosecuting, said that a white Vauxhall Corsa car was stolen from Headingley, Leeds, by other people but Knighton was not involved in that. The car was driven to Fairfield Road, Bridlington.
The same day, a woman was at her Bridlington home and her boyfriend, Knighton, was also there. An alleyway was in view nearby. A woman and two men went into a nearby house and they were inside for five to 10 minutes before emerging from inside and going back to the alleyway.
Knighton made a comment to the woman in what he thought was jest but it led to an argument involving all members of the group. The commotion continued from the alleyway onto Fairfield Road.
Two of the group got into the Vauxhall Corsa and tried to drive off but Knighton was wielding an axe in his hand. As the car reversed, he hit the windscreen with the axe.
Police went to the area at 7.50pm the same day after receiving a report of a disturbance and Knighton having an axe. He was taken to Clough Road police station, Hull.
A number of other people were interviewed by the police but no action was taken against them, said Miss Thompson. During police interview, Knighton confirmed that he was the man with the axe.
He said that he had an alcohol problem and he admitted that his behaviour was “terrible”. He had convictions for seven previous offences between October 2007 and October 2022. They included criminal damage in 2022 and threatening behaviour in 2019.
Jane Rapin, mitigating, said that Knighton pleaded guilty during a hearing before Hull Magistrates’ Court. “He expressed deep regret in respect of his actions that night,” said Miss Rapin.
“He acted impulsively, fearing for his partner, who had been assaulted. That is not an excuse for his actions. Living with the guilt of what he did that night has been incredibly difficult.
“He expressed genuine remorse and how sorry he is. If he could turn back the clock, he would have acted very differently. He knows that he would take a take a very different approach to dealing with that incident were it to happen again.
“He has worked very hard to sort himself out.” He had moved his family from Bridlington to an area where they were much happier.
“He has not come to the attention of the court or the police in the past 18 months,” said Miss Rapin. “This is someone who made a terrible mistake at a time when things were spiralling.
“He began drinking more. He simply can’t believe that he acted in that way and he appreciates how shocking it would have been for those in the car and those who were observing it.
“These offences made him realise how bad things had got. He has remained alcohol-free ever since and he has vowed never to drink again.”
Judge Tahir Khan KC told Knighton: “There was clearly a serious risk of disorder and, in large part, you were responsible for that. I am not saying other people weren’t involved. No doubt they were.”
Using an axe was something that Knighton would, no doubt, never have imagined doing. Knighton was given a 14-month suspended prison sentence and 25 days’ rehabilitation. He will have to pay a £187 victims’ surcharge.
Judge Khan warned Knighton: “If you and I meet again, it won’t end very well. Do I need to say any more?”
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