Park thug brandished machete as kids played

A MAN who brandished a machete as children played in a park and threw bricks toward a group of bikers has avoided jail.

- THOMAS MOLLOY

Zackary Mercer-Barlow was also using a 'rubber axe' to chop at trees during the 'psychotic episode!

The 28-year-old was initially spotted by three bikers, as he walked towards Asda in Huddersfield Road in Oldham on May 15, prosecution barrister Helena Williams told Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court.

Mercer-Barlow was holding a hoodie in his right hand and pulled out an '18inch blade machete, which he waved at the group.

One of the groups reported the incident to Asda staff, who called the police, and Mercer-Barlow made his way to a local park.

While there, he 'smacked trees and bins' with the weapon, as children played nearby.

As he left, he was seen by the group of bikers 'throwing his hands in the air!