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A Leeds man slashed his mate with a machete following a row over a gazebo, a court has heard.

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.

James Fillary, 39, of Westover View, Bramley, was jailed on June 6 following an attack on his friend in 2022. Photo: West Yorkshire Police. | West Yorkshire Police

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.

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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.

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