Man who ran through gardens with bow and arrow jailed

Armed police descended on Stroud after Kingston was spotted with a long bow and arrow

A man who ran through resident's gardens with a bow and arrow, putting them at "serious risk" has been jailed.

Ian Kingston, 37, of no fixed abode, was spotted on London Road, in Stroud, with the weapon just before 06:00 BST on Monday, leading to armed police descending on the area.

He received a four-month custodial sentence after pleading guilty to being in possession of the weapon at Cheltenham Magistrates' Court on Tuesday.

"Removing individuals like Kingston, who are intent on committing crime and causing harm, misery and distress, remains a top priority," said Stroud neighbourhood policing Insp James Hutchins.

'Risk of serious harm'

Kingston fled the area after he was spotted early in the morning.

But police were again called shortly before 08:30 after he was seen in a garden.

Armed officers attended and searches took place to find him. A long bow and several arrows were then recovered from an address.

As well as admitting to being in possession of an offensive weapon in a public place, Kingston also pleaded guilty to eight counts of interference with a motor vehicle and two counts of theft within the Stroud area.

Insp Hutchins said: "Kingston's actions on Monday put people at risk of serious harm.

"While officers responded to the incident quickly and efficiently, I acknowledge the police presence in the town may have added to the alarm felt.

"I welcome Kingston's sentence and would like to thank officers for getting this prolific offender off the streets so promptly and behind bars the following day."