Westover View Bramley: Man slashed mate with machete following row over gazebo in Leeds

James Fillary left his victim in a life-threatening condition with a huge wound exposing his spine and injuring his spinal cord.

The attack happened outside Fillary’s home on Westover View in Bramley on June 10, 2022.

The 39-year-old was sentenced at Leeds Crown Court yesterday (June 6).

The court heard that there had been a falling out over a “dog breeding enterprise” and that Fillary’s victim went to his house to retrieve a gazebo.

Don’t miss any of the latest stories and breaking news from Leeds with our free daily newsletter

Prosecuting, Nicola Hoskins said: “The victim had his back turned so couldn’t have known what was about to happen to him.”

She added: “There was a risk of paralysis as a result of the attack.”

It was explained that the families of the two men had been friends for some years and often socialised together.

For the defence, Shila Whitehead said: “He deeply regrets what has happened, not just the injury that was caused but the destruction of a friendship for both families.”

Fillary was found guilty following a trial of wounding with intent and possession with intent to supply class B drugs. The latter charge followed a search of his home, in which cannabis was found.

Judge Neil Clark said: “The complainant came to retrieve a gazebo. The rights and wrongs of whether it was his to take are irrelevant.

“The injury was truly horrendous and he was initially in a life-threatening condition, having lost a lot of blood through the wound.”

He jailed him for eight years and 10 months.