A man was sentenced to 3.5 years for a machete attack sparked by a teen’s false claim of assault.

Adam Garvey, 43, was sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison for a machete attack in April 2024 after a teenager falsely claimed someone had stomped on his head. The teen, who had been drinking and unprovokedly attacked a stranger earlier that morning, returned with Garvey, leading him to believe he was under threat. Garvey slashed one man’s arm and severed the top of another’s thumb before being disarmed. The victim suffered hand injuries during the struggle. The teen, previously involved with children’s court, received probation. Garvey, who had a history of violence and was on an intensive corrections order, pleaded guilty, expressing remorse. He is eligible for parole in December 2026.