Tyreece Bedford, 22, of Radcliffe, has been sentenced at Manchester Crown Court for affray after an incident involving a cyclist last summer. The court heard that on June 14, 2025, a man Bedford knew cycled past him on Pilkington Way, Radcliffe. The cyclist turned back and approached Bedford, and the pair briefly spoke before Bedford took the man's hat.
When the man tried to retrieve his hat, Bedford brandished an object that police believe was a small knife. CCTV footage played in court showed the man backing away from Bedford. Bedford was initially charged with threatening a person with a blade and theft but pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of affray.
Prosecution and Defence Statements
Prosecutor Brian Berlyne said: "The man backed away in apparent fear. He appears to believe it to be a weapon. Police believe it to have been a small knife." Bedford has no previous convictions.
Defence barrister William Staunton said: "The initial exchange turned into tomfoolery. But by putting something in his hand he gives the impression he was carrying something." The court also heard that Bedford has previously suffered with mental ill-health and has an ADHD diagnosis.
Sentencing
Sentencing, Recorder Philip Barnes KC told him: "You removed his cap and walked away, as he sought to retrieve it you decided to keep it from him. Whether that was sinister or not is not for me to decide. The production of that item amounted to the threat of unlawful violence."
Bedford, of Ampleforth Gardens, Radcliffe, was given a 12-month community order and ordered to complete 80 days of unpaid work and 20 days of rehabilitation activity requirements.
