Man who smashed up bank with axe spared jail

Cambridgeshire Police responded to the incident on 6 March

An axe-wielding man who smashed up a city centre bank and then sat listening to music inside has been sentenced to 14 months in prison, suspended for 12 months.

Cambridgeshire Constabulary was called to Barclays Bank in Peterborough’s Cathedral Square at about 06:30 BST on 6 March, following reports of a man damaging the building.

Officers said the building's glass front windows had been smashed, as well as nine cash machines, a glass balustrade and the customer desk inside the branch, and an axe was left embedded in a table.

Darren Wyer of Reeves Way, Eastfield, was arrested and later charged with possession of a bladed article in a public place, namely an axe, and criminal damage of an unknown value to Barclays Bank.

Wyer appeared at Cambridge Crown Court on Thursday, where he was sentenced to 14 months in prison, which was suspended for 12 months. He was required to complete a 20-day rehabilitation activity requirement after admitting both offences.

PC Philip Plume, said: “The brazen actions of Wyer show that he had no regard for the impact this would have on both the staff and the wider community who were deeply concerned by his behaviour.

“Thankfully, we were able to respond quickly to locate and arrest Wyer before any more damage or harm could be done.”