Darren Potter pointed crossbow at police in Malvern armed siege

Neighbours had to leave and roads surrounding The Glade in Malvern were cleared as Darren Potter pointed a crossbow out his window at armed police. 

The 53-year-old, previously of The Glade in Malvern, has been in custody since his arrest after the armed siege in October 2021.

But he is still not free to leave a mental health hospital facility after a ruling by a Worcester judge. 

Potter appeared over videolink at Worcester Crown Court to be sentenced for affray and assaulting an emergency worker in the execution of their duties. 

POLICE: Armed police in siege (Image: From public)

Omar Majid, prosecuting, said Potter had called police on October 21, and had been "incomprehensible".

After police arrived at The Glade they were unable to enter the property, Potter's son telling officers the defendant was threatening to cut his throat. 

"The defendant barricaded himself in his bedroom," Mr Majid said.

"He was shouting, he was upset. 

"He was told officers would have to force entry if he didn't open the door."

Potter then shouted "Do you know what this is" before holding the crossbow and pointing it out his window into the street. 

CLOSED: Skyrrold Road was among the roads closed by police (Image: From public)

"It was resolved when the defendant surrendered - throwing the crossbow, an axe and knives (out the window)," the prosecutor said.

It emerged the crossbow had not been loaded while it was pointed out the window but Potter did have bolts in his room, the court heard. 

After the siege, Potter was taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital but his offending continued a day later. 

When officers came to see him he kicked PC White in the head causing him to suffer headaches.

COURT: Darren Potter appeared on videolink to Worcester Crown Court (Image: Facebook)

Potter told police "something triggered" in his brain which resulted in him not knowing what he was doing. 

"He said he wanted to frighten the officers," Mr Majid said. 

"He said he knew what he was doing was wrong."   

Richard McConaghy, defending, highlighted that Potter had already effectively served a jail sentence of 32 months, having been in custody for 16 months.

Mr McConaghy added: "Mr Potter is a man who has had a mental health crisis, is improving, but has not reached a position that has been resolved." 

READ MORE: Dramatic video and pictures emerge of armed police siege

READ MORE: Man who caused six-hour armed siege may end up living in tent

He added that was based on doctors' assessments included in Potter's latest psychiatric reports. 

His Honour Judge Jonathan Salmon said: "It is clear you were going through a psychotic episode. 

"Police were frightened and concerned about you.

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"I'm satisfied you are suffering from a borderline personality disorder."

The judge gave Potter a hospital order under the mental health act. 

Potter was also given a two-year criminal behaviour order which includes the direction Potter must not possess a crossbow or any other weapon including an axe or bladed article.