Malvern armed siege - Darren Potter 'not welcome' at home

Darren Potter appeared over videolink at Worcester Crown Court on Monday for sentence following the siege in Malvern on Tuesday, October 19 last year.

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Potter, previously of The Glade in Malvern, is being cared for in a hospital facility - St Andrew's Healthcare in Birmingham - after being transferred there from prison where he had been remanded in custody.

He admitted affray and assaulting an emergency worker in the execution of their duties when he appeared before magistrates in Kidderminster on October 22 last year.

RESPONSE: Armed police swooped on Malvern during the siege

We reported at the time how roads surrounding The Glade were cordoned off for almost six hours during the incident which started at around 12.25pm.

Police finally lifted the cordons around Skyrrold Road and Moat Way at just before 6.30pm on that day.

His advocate, Richard McConaghy, who also appeared over live link, explained that Potter had been transferred to St Andrew's in February to assist with his mental health and remains under the care of a doctor. Mr McConaghy, requesting an adjournment, said Potter had made 'remarkable progress'.

GUILTY: Darren Potter, pictured by the Worcester News back in 2015, after he complained about disruption caused by a revamp of his housing association property.

Probation had suggested a mental health assessment would be helpful.

"He's no longer welcome at the family home and he would have to find other accommodation," said Mr McConaghy.

The barrister said Potter was now in a wheelchair but has since been given back a leg brace. Potter mentioned staying in a tent on a campsite.

"He's realistic and sleeping in a tent on a campsite is not something he's currently capable of doing," said Mr McConaghy.

There is, as yet, no recommendation for a hospital order.

Judge Nicholas Cole said there had been 'nothing in writing' from doctors.

"I really don't understand why, six months on, there isn't something in writing" said Judge Cole.

A doctor, present with Potter, explained he had not been asked to prepare a written report but could have one ready within a week.

The doctor said, at the present time, Potter did not meet the criteria for a hospital order to be made in his professional judgement.

Judge Cole adjourned the case until Friday, May 27 for the report to be prepared.

An addendum report will also be prepared by probation after viewing the doctor's report.

In the meantime, Potter was remanded in custody under the section 48 direction which authorises the transfer to hospital.