Former soldier must wait to learn fate for samurai sword attack

The sentence of an Angus man who subjected his wife to a terrifying attack with a samurai sword has been deferred for another six weeks.

Former soldier Darren Mann appeared from custody at Arbroath Sheriff Court having previously been told he faces a long jail term for assaulting Jette Mann at their Brechin home.

Mann was told he would be sentenced after psychological reports came back to court but the reports were not completed by Tuesday’s hearing.

Sheriff Gregor Murray deferred sentence until March 4 for the preparation of the documents.

The court had previously heard how Mann struck out at his wife with a knife before renewing his assault with the sword.

Mann, 43, then dragged her from their home before continuing his rampage by chasing neighbours with the sword when they rushed to the woman’s aid.

Mann, of Kinnaird Estates office flat, Brechin, appeared from custody at Arbroath Sheriff Court on December 3 and pleaded guilty to assaulting his wife Jette on September 14, assaulting Pamela Harris and attempting to strike her with the samurai sword and assaulting Mark McBride by pursuing him and presenting the sword at him.