Man given hospital order after barricading himself inside Overstrand church
Kleovrotos Thomadakis, 34 has been sentenced to a hospital order after barricading himself inside a church in Overstrand and stabbing a police officer during the incident
Last updated 20th May 2025
A man has been given a hospital order following an incident at a church in Overstrand where he barricaded himself inside and threatened harm.
Kleovrotos Thomadakis, 34, from Willow Tree Close, Nottinghamshire, appeared at Norwich Crown Court on Monday 19 May 2025 for sentencing. Earlier hearings found him unfit to enter a plea, so a jury was asked to decide if he had committed the acts alleged.
On 3 April 2025, the jury found that Thomadakis was responsible for affray, possession of a bladed article, and grievous bodily harm with intent. He was cleared of criminal damage.
The events began on 26 September 2024, when police were called after reports of an armed man sleeping inside the church. When officers arrived, Thomadakis barricaded himself inside and threatened to set the building on fire and seriously injure anyone who entered.
After talks with negotiators failed, armed police entered the church. Thomadakis confronted officers with a machete and stabbed one officer in the knee. Tasers were used, and he was arrested.
He was taken to hospital for assessment before being moved to police custody. He was questioned at Wymondham Police Investigation Centre and charged with grievous bodily harm with intent, possession of an offensive weapon, criminal damage, and affray. He was then held in custody.
At Monday’s sentencing, the court handed down a hospital order.
Chief Inspector Vicky McParland said: “Thomadakis’ actions resulted in an extensive policing operation which ultimately brought him to safety and protected the local community.
“An officer was seriously injured in their attempts to safeguard him and diffuse the situation. I would like to commend all those who were involved in the incident for their professionalism and praise their actions which ensured a safe outcome.”