A MAN struck several youths with a samurai sword before deliberately running one over in his van breaking his leg and ankle, a court has heard.

Vincent Barton, 48, was said to have been “consumed by rage” during the confrontation near his home address on St Abbs Drive, Wibsey, in the early hours of April 23 last year.

He is on trial at Bradford Crown Court charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent, the possession of an offensive weapon, dangerous driving, and affray.

Barton denies all the charges, stating he was acting in self-defence after having bottles and bricks thrown at him.

Prosecutor Richard Walters told the court that on April 22, around 40 youths, aged 15 to 18, had attended a 17th birthday party at a house on the street.

At around midnight, one youth said he was outside when he saw the defendant coming towards the address from his house. He said Barton shouted: “I’ve already told you to stop this party. I’ll kick f*** out of you.”

After the boy said: “Come on then”, he said he saw Barton holding a sword, and said the defendant pursued him as he ran off. Mr Walters said Barton hit the youth in his leg with the sword, leaving a mark, before getting back in his van and driving away. When the youth told other partygoers what had happened, a group were said to walk down to Barton’s address to find him still holding the sword, as well as an axe or hammer.

Mr Walters told the jury that after the youths “goaded” Barton, he ran back up the street “attacking them as he went.”

He is alleged to have struck a number of youths.

As the defendant began to walk home, Mr Walters said there was a further confrontation with more partygoers, with stones and missiles thrown at Barton’s van, which had its wing mirror pulled off and its rear windscreen smashed.

In response, Barton is alleged to have driven his van at the group.

Mr Walters said while most of the youths got out of the way, a 16 year-old boy was hit as the van mounted the pavement, causing him to break his leg and ankle.

When police arrived, Barton was said to have told officers: “I’ve had to get a sword out to this lot, I’ve got a disabled daughter at home.”

After being arrested, he said in interview that he had been in bed when he opened a window to see youths near his van. He said he went outside to find a larger group of people who then threw bottles and bricks at him.

He admitted brandishing the sword and the axe, but said he was acting in self-defence. He also denied driving deliberately at anyone.

Mr Walters said: “The defendant was consumed by rage and determined to show the youths not to mess with him."

The trial continues.