Haircut row leads to baseball bat, machete and handgun attack on barber's shop
A hooded gang armed with baseballs bats, machetes and a handgun launched a terrifying attack on a Black Country barber's shop in a row over a haircut, a judge heard.
They smashed windows, trapping frightened staff, customers and a weeping seven-year-old inside Fresh Trimz in Reservoir Road, Walsall, Wolverhampton Crown Court was told.
The front door was locked and shutters pulled down as around six thugs struggled to break in, revealed Miss Lynette McClement, prosecuting. An Alfa Romeo parked outside was wrecked during the November 6 onslaught.
It followed a verbal warning and the occupants of a silver car making gun signs with their hands as they drove passed the shop.
"Then those inside saw a group of men running towards them wearing balaclavas and carrying baseball bats and machetes," said Miss McClement who added. "This was the culmination of a year long course of harassment which started after a man had a haircut he did not like."
Over £1,600 worth of damage was caused to the the barber's which was opened by Shane Fellows and Ashley Justin around three years ago.
A speck of blood found by a broken window after the three minute attack matched the DNA of 19-year-old Alex Hill from Morrison Avenue, Bushbury. Inquiries continue to trace others involved.
Mr Oliver Woolhouse, defending, said: "This was largely violence against property and the threat of violence against individuals.
"Weapons were brandished. The defendant was not armed but admits punching the window.
Hill admitted violent disorder and was given 15 months detention by Recorder Patrick Ievins who said: "You were not the prime mover in this."
