Man, 44, admits threatening armed police with crossbow in Bath

A 44-year-old man appeared at Bath Magistrates’ Court in custody on Wednesday, 26th August, to face charges including threatening four police officers with a crossbow.

Armed police at the scene | Photo © Bath Echo

It followed an incident at Weston Lock on Monday, 24th August.

Armed police had been called to the area after receiving a call at about 6.15pm from a member of the public believing they had seen a man acting in a threatening manner with a weapon on a boat on the River Avon.

Police said the boat was brought to shore and one man was arrested. There were no injuries.

Access to the nearby retail park was restricted as a precaution.

Five charges were read out to Warwick Harrison, a lorry driver, of Stackpool Road in Bristol, when he appeared before District Judge Lynne Matthews.

He admitted unlawfully and intentionally threatening the officers with a crossbow in a public place in such a way that there was an immediate risk of serious physical harm.

A cordon was put in place | Photo © Bath Echo

Harrison also pleaded guilty to unlawfully and intentionally threatening his neighbouring boater with a sword in a public place.

He admitted causing criminal damage to the neighbour’s gate, bird feeder and TV aerial.

However, Harrison denied a further charge of threatening the man with a saw in a private place. He also denied a charge of affray which caused those at the scene to fear for their personal safety.

District Judge Matthews remanded Harrison in custody.

He is due to appear at Bristol Crown Court on Monday 28th September for a trial preparation hearing.