Armed stand-off man given hospital order
A man who threatened to shoot police officers and then entered a family's home during an armed stand-off in a Shropshire town has been made subject of a hospital order under the Mental Health Act.
Armed police had to fire a shot at William Crowe amid fears he was about to shoot householder Simon Ross after he entered his property during the gun drama, Shrewsbury Crown Court was told yesterday.
The incident In Much Wenlock in March last year only ended when officers rushed into the house and deployed a police dog to apprehend Crowe, who was armed with an imitation handgun.
The court was told after the arrest that Crowe's firearm was examined and found to be an imitation Japanese-made cap firing pistol which could not fire live rounds.
Mr Kevin Jones, prosecuting, told the court Crowe, formerly of Maddox Court, Wellington, admitted possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence and also admitted using an imitation firearm with intent to resist lawful apprehension.
Crowe was made subject of a hospital order and will only be released when the secretary of state for justice is satisfied he no longer poses a threat to the public.
Mr Jones said Crowe contacted police in the early hours of March 30 last year and he was taken to hospital over concerns for his welfare.
He discharged himself from hospital and on March 31 he travelled to Ironbridge where he bought the firearm for £95 from an antique shop.
Mr Jones said while carrying the gun in a bag Crowe visited various pubs and businesses, leaving notes which he asked staff to pass on to the police.
Crowe then travelled to Much Wenlock and visited pubs where he left more notes in which he threatened to kill himself.
Police traced Crowe to Stretton Road in Much Wenlock where he threatened to shoot officers.
Mr Jones said: "Mr Crowe was pointing his gun at various officers. He said he was a good shot, he never misses and told the officers they will be shot."
The court was told Crowe then entered the porch area of Mr Ross's home and spoke to the householder.
Mr Jones said armed officers became concerned Crowe would shoot Mr Ross.
Officers fired one round, shattering glass in the utility room in the house.
The round did not make contact with anyone but it gave the officers the opportunity to enter the home and apprehend Crowe.
