A man who caused significant damage to a bank in Peterborough while wielding an axe has been sentenced to 14 months in prison, suspended for 12 months.
On the morning of 6 March, Cambridgeshire Police responded to reports of a man damaging Barclays Bank in Cathedral Square, Peterborough. Authorities arrived around 6:30 BST to find that the man had smashed the glass front windows of the building, damaged nine cash machines, a glass balustrade, and the customer desk inside the branch. An axe was found lodged in a table within the bank.
Darren Wyer, 42, from Reeves Way, Eastfield, was arrested at the scene and later charged with possession of a bladed article in a public place and criminal damage. He appeared at Cambridge Crown Court, where he admitted the charges and was sentenced to 14 months in prison, suspended for 12 months. He will also be required to complete a 20-day rehabilitation activity requirement.
PC Philip Plume, who responded to the incident, commented, “Wyer’s reckless actions showed a complete disregard for the impact on the staff, customers, and the community. Fortunately, we acted swiftly to apprehend him before further damage or harm could be caused.”