A Swindon man has appeared in court charged with threatening to kill a police officer whilst in possession of three weapons, including an axe.
Joseph Ephgrave, 43, appeared before magistrates this morning via video link charged with possession of an axe, knife and fondue fork, threats to kill, affray and criminal damage following the incident yesterday (2 June).
Before the court’s legal adviser could read out his charges, he was heard screaming “I want justice, I won’t hurt a fly” and “4325 dead or alive”. His microphone was swiftly muted.
Crown prosecutor Keith Ballinger said police responded to reports of a male trying to access a residential building in Commercial Road in the early hours of the morning.
He claimed a police officer arrived at the scene and located Ephgrave, of East Street, in a bin in an alleyway off Granville Street. He told the officer he needed an ambulance and that he was nearly killed by a police officer.
It’s said that he repeatedly shouted “4325 dead or alive”, referring to a long-serving volunteer police officer.
He allegedly went on to shout: “You can come and get me, you’ll get chopped up”, before adding that he had an axe with him.
Ephgrave was said to have then thrown the axe towards the officer in attendance, with him having to take evasive action to avoid being struck by the weapon.
He is said to have shouted to the officers in attendance: “You boys better get back, I’ll start throwing shit – I’ve got acid.” He continued to repeat “4325 dead or alive”.
Following his arrest, officers allegedly discovered a fondue fork in his sleeve and a Stanley knife in his bag. Whilst he was transported to custody, he is said to have banged his head on the van’s cage before rubbing blood over it.
“I’m going to f**king kill him, I’m going to chop him into pieces. 4325 dead or alive, justice for Ephgrave”, he is claimed to have ranted in custody. It’s said he continued shouting: “I’m gonna get your man, I’m not going to stop until I do.”
Magistrates, interrupted by Ephgrave exposing his buttocks and anus to the courtroom, remanded him in custody out of fear of him committing further offences if he were to be bailed.
The case was sent to Swindon Crown Court. He will appear for a plea and preparation hearing on 2 July.
