A man who wounded a security guard with a Samurai sword at a Kabaddi event has been locked up for 18 months.

Jaswinder Singh Sahota was due to present the sword during the tournament in Gravesend when he started waving it about in a drunken outburst.

Victim Roy Connolly grabbed the weapon and Sahota twisted it, slicing through three tendons in his left hand.

Mr Connolly needed specialist surgery, including 68 stitches, and the mobility in his hand is still poor.

Maidstone Crown Court heard how Sahota, 51, was respected in the sport and went to the tournament at the Sikh temple on May 27, 2007.

Katie Fox, prosecuting, said during the day Sahota, of St Valentine’s Close, West Bromwich, came to the attention of security guards when he kept protesting and arguing with the referees.

When spoken to about his behaviour, he replied: "Do you know who I am?"

In the early evening, Mr Connolly was at the main entrance when Sahota drew up in his car.

He got out, took the sword from its sheath and started swinging it in front of him. He shouted: "Open the gate. Does anyone want any trouble now?"

Mr Connolly stepped back until his back was up against the gate. He took hold of the blade and it sliced into two of his fingers.

Other guards grabbed Sahota and he was arrested.

After sentencing, Det Con Neil Ratcliffe said: "This was a very nasty, unprovoked attack which took place in public view and was terrifying not only for the victim but for those standing nearby."

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