A man denies obstructing police officers at an ‘armed siege’ in Trowbridge.
Emergency services were called to Glebe Road on Thursday 25 August after a man allegedly threatened to set fire to his house during a mental health crisis.
It’s claimed a Wiltshire Times journalist at the scene told police that local Peter Hulbert may be able to help because he knows the distressed male inside the property.
Police allowed him into the cordon, but after a short period of time, he was asked to leave. It’s alleged that he failed to leave and as a result, he was arrested.
At Swindon Magistrates’ Court this morning (24 October), 29-year-old Hulbert pleaded not guilty to two charges of obstructing a police officer in the execution of their duty.
However, a guilty plea was offered to the procession of cocaine – which was found on him during a search when he was detained by officers.
Prosecutor Kirsty Gordon-Cleaver alleged that the defendant, of Talbot Road, Trowbridge, was instructed to leave the area but did not listen.
Raymond Tan, defending, said his client was “there to assist” and when he was asked to leave, he was – according to video evidence – “not even given a chance to act on it”.
Adding: “Also, there was a journalist there that told the police to allow him to assist as he had a connection with the man who was threatening to set fire to his house.”
District Judge Joanna Dickens adjourned the case until 28 November to allow the Crown Prosecution Service to review how they wish to move forward with the case.
