Man found listening to music in Peterborough bank - after smashing it up with axe

Axe-wielding Darren Wyer smashed up a Cambridgeshire bank - before being found inside playing music. Police were called to the Barclays Bank in Cathedral Square, Peterborough, after reports of a man damaging the building.

Upon arrival, they found Wyer sitting inside listening to music through a speaker. The 43-year-old had smashed the bank's glass front - as well as nine cash machines, a glass balustrade and the customer desk inside the branch.

The axe was found embedded in a table following the incident, which took place at around 6.30am on March 6. Wyer, of Reeves Way, Eastfield, was charged with possession of a bladed article in a public place, namely an axe, and criminal damage of an unknown value to Barclays Bank.

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At Cambridge Crown Court on Thursday, June 13, he was sentenced to 14 months in prison, suspended for 12 months, and required to complete a 20-day Rehabilitation Activity Requirement (RAR) after admitting both offences.

PC Philip Plume, of Cambridgeshire Police, said: “The brazen actions of Wyer show that he had no regard for the impact this would have on both the staff and the wider community who were deeply concerned by his behaviour. Thankfully, we were able to respond quickly to locate and arrest Wyer before any more damage or harm could be done.”