Grange estate where the confrontation took place Pic: Google

A motorbike enthusiast has been jailed after he waved an eight inch knife at a group of men who came to retrieve a vehicle they believed he had stolen.

Keiron Lee Parkinson, 23, was seen in a Facebook picture sitting astride the bike.

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But when the owner of the bike saw the photo, three cars full of men turned up on the Grange Estate, Ribbleton, in a bid to recover the bike.

Intimidated, Parkinson called for backup and a number of men started running towards the men from all directions.

Parkinson, of Sulby Grove, Ribbleton, produced a large knife and was waving it towards the men who retreated back to their vehicles.

One of the men held out his motorbike helmet to protect himself from being stabbed.

Judge Christopher Cornwall, sentencing, said: “You have a keen interest in motorcycles – nothing whatever wrong with that- tinkering with them, maintaining them, driving them when you are permitted by law.

“You were accused of stealing the motorbike which is in the centre of this case but the crown hasn’t proceeded with that allegation.

“The bike was stolen by someone. Three vehicles turned up on the Grange Estate with a number of men inside them.

“It may not have been the wisest of courses but they were entitled to that machine back.

“The response was to summon others and the next minute these large men – or so they are said to be – who have come looking for the return of their own property are in retreat.

“Why? Because bearing down on them is a significant number of men summoned by you.

“They are being effectively driven back. Just to emphasise the point, the knife was produced.

“It had an eight inch blade – a fearful implement. Had it made contact with any one of these people serious injury could have been the consequence. Devastating injury isn’t beyond the bounds of possibility.”

He pleaded guilty to affray and possession of a knife in public.

Judge Cornwall said: “When knives are used by angry young men who think they have a grievance and a justification, terrible consequences follow.”