Man who caused five-hour stand off in Buxton is jailed
Emergency services were called in January
A man who caused a five-hour stand off in Buxton after smashing up and setting fire to his partner’s flat has been jailed.
Emergency services were called to Albert Court off London Road on Thursday 5 January after receiving reports that Sam Johnson was smashing up a property.
When officers arrived at the scene, they saw Johnson throwing items out of the window, some of which were on fire. He was holding a large machete and threatening to harm police. Smoke could be seen coming from inside the property and flames from the items he had thrown outside were beginning to spread.
A cordon was put in place with London Road closed from the junction with Mosley Road to the Tesco petrol station while emergency services dealt with the incident and a number of homes in the area also had to be evacuated.
Negotiators and specialist firearms officers were called to the scene as Johnson refused to leave the address and began throwing items on to the forecourt of the Tesco petrol station on London Road which had to be closed temporarily.
Later that afternoon officers forced entry to the flat and arrested Johnson.
The damage caused to the property ran into thousands of pounds with water coming through the ceilings, every wall damaged and every window smashed, with all furnishings either destroyed, burnt or thrown from the address. The wooden bannister rail and all the window frames had been hacked to pieces. The bathroom suite was ripped from the wall and smashed and Johnson had smashed the bath as well as smashing his way through the plasterboard between rooms.
The 27-year-old, of Hardwick Mount, Buxton was charged and appeared at Derby Crown Court today (Monday 5 June) when he was jailed for four years and one month with an extended licence period of 36 months, after admitting arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered, criminal damage and affray.
Detective Sergeant Nicola Bateman, one of the officers involved in the case, said:
“Johnson put our officers, other emergency services personnel and members of the public at risk throughout this five hour siege which began when he was refused money to buy cannabis.
“This appalling and reckless behaviour caused thousands of pounds worth of damage to the rented flat and also tied up emergency services resources for several hours.
“Officers were subjected to abuse, threats and even had missiles thrown at them as they attempted to bring the incident to a safe conclusion. Thankfully no-one was injured but this kind of behaviour could have led to tragic consequences.
“Even after being arrested, Johnson continued to abuse officers and failed to offer any explanation for his behaviour.
“Many people were affected by this prolonged and dangerous incident so it is pleasing to see Johnson is now behind bars for his shocking behaviour on that day.”