Man jailed after pleading guilty to being in possession of a long bow and arrow in Stroud

A man has been jailed after pleading guilty to 11 offences including being in possession of a long bow and arrow in Stroud earlier this week.

Ian Kingston, aged 37 and of no fixed abode, received the four-month custodial sentence at Cheltenham Magistrates' Court on Tuesday (25 June).

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

Kingston was arrested on Monday (24 June) following an incident in Stroud that took place just before 6am.

Police responded to a report that a man was in London Road while in possession of a weapon and then fled.

Shortly before 8.30am police were then called with a report that a man, believed to be the same man from the previous incident, was seen in a garden.

Armed officers attended and searches took place to find him and he ran through people's gardens.

Kingston was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon in connection with the incident. He was subsequently charged, remanded in custody and put before the court. 

A long bow and several arrows were then recovered from an address.

Stroud Neighbourhood Policing Inspector James Hutchins said: "Kingston's actions on Monday put people in the Stroud community 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. I would also like to thank those who came forward following our appeal for information.

"Removing individuals like Kingston, who are intent on committing crime and causing harm, misery and distress, remains a top priority for our neighbourhood policing team.

"We are dedicated to ensuring Stroud remains a safe and enjoyable place to live and visit, and we will always take decisive action against those who seek to threaten that."