Major incident sparked after man told police he had a bomb
gloslivenews@reachplc.com
AMENTAL health support worker sparked a major incident in Cheltenham when he told police he had a bomb and was going to blow up the block of flats where he lives in the town centre, a court heard.
Cheltenham Magistrates’ Court was told that Daniel Chadgidakis, 32, made a 999 to Gloucestershire Police and told the call handler he had a bomb at his flat in the High Street.
Prosecutor Sonia Alford said “Chadgidakis used his own mobile phone to contact the police and he went on to tell the operator that he also had a big kitchen knife and added ‘I will do everyone with it.’
“He went on to say ‘I will kill anyone who comes to my door.’ He kept repeating his threats during the call. Sixteen police officers, including members of the armed response unit and specialist negotiators, were sent to the incident.
“Police were able to force an entry into his flat through the front door and began a 90-minute negotiation session with him.
“During this time the flat was searched and a large knife was found outside the bedroom adjacent to the front door, but no evidence of a bomb or bomb making equipment was found.”
The court was told on Thursday, October 1, that the police were at the property for a number of hours.
When Chadgidakis was arrrested and taken into custody he made no comment in interview.
Dermot Clarke, defending, said “It appears that this incident was out of character for Chadgidakis.
“He is ashamed and embarrassed by what he did that night.
“He is a support worker in the mental health profession and it appears that Chadgidakis had his own breakdown that night. It was Father’s Day and it coincided with the anniversary of the death of his own father.”
Chadgidakis pleaded guilty to making a call using the electronic communications network that was grossly offensive and menacing on June 20 this year at his home address in Cheltenham.
Chairman of the magistrates Richard Longstreth warned Chadgidakis that the offence was so serious that it was ‘likely to result in a custodial sentence.’
But he said the court wanted a probation service pre-sentence report on
Chadgidakis before sentencing him and he was released on unconditional bail until October 22.
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