Man in full scuba gear sparked siege

A MAN in full scuba diving gear with an oxygen tank on his back sparked an hours-long siege in his flat - and then started a fire causing more than £30,000 of damage.

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Michael Hockey, 55, was found to have 11 cannabis trees, five grenade-type items, various knives, axes, a spear and a bow and arrow when police later searched his flat.

Hockey was charged with damaging property, affray, arson and cultivating cannabis. He pleaded guilty to all offences.

A court heard that in the days leading up to August 15, 2023, Hockey's behaviour had become erratic, making several threats to his neighbours.

On August 15 he banged on a neighbour's door, screaming, and eventually hit the door with an axe, which terrified the neighbour and others in the building, prompting them to call the police. A video of him outside the flat was shown to the court.