Hucknall siege man remanded in custody

Reece Theison (20), of no fixed address, faces three charges after the ten-hour siege at the Spot On leisure and snooker club on Vine Terrace, off High Street, on Thursday 13th March.

Theison, who appeared via video-link from custody, is accused of possessing with intent a Dan Wesson firearm that caused a police officer, PC Lee Colopy, to believe that unlawful violence would be used against him or others.

He is also accused of stealing alcohol and food from the Spot On club and of damaging fixtures and fittings at the club.

No plea was taken from Theison, but David Allan (prosecuting) said the case would probably be resolved without the need for a trial.

The only evidence that was in dispute, the court heard, concerned whether or not the weapon seized from Theison was genuine. He had claimed it was an imitation.

“It is described as a ‘Dirty Harry’-type Magnum revolver with a long barrel that could have been mistaken for an air weapon,” said Mr Allan.

“We are waiting for a report from the police about the weapon.”

Judge Andrew Hamilton also backed plans to prepare a psychiatric report on Theison after hearing evidence that, during the siege, he had wanted the police to shoot him.

Theison agreed to co-operate with a psychiatrist. He was remanded in custody until his next appearance in court on Monday 5th May.

Hucknall town centre went into lockdown during the siege, which received publicity across the country.

Streets were blocked off, shops were forced to close early and residents were refused access to their homes.

As armed officers surrounded the club, the siege went on from 2.20 pm until after midnight.