LONG SUTTON: Man pulled gun on police hoping he would be shot dead, court told

A MAN pulled a gun on police hoping that he would be shot dead, a court heard. Officers were called out after reports of a domestic incident at the Long Sutton home of Paul Spiller. Allison Cunningham , prosecuting, told Lincoln Crown Court that when an o

A MAN pulled a gun on police hoping that he would be shot dead, a court heard.

Officers were called out after reports of a domestic incident at the Long Sutton home of Paul Spiller.

Allison Cunningham , prosecuting, told Lincoln Crown Court that when an officer arrived he saw Spiller standing in a rear annexe.

Spiller then put his hand inside his jacket and pulled out what appeared to be a semi-automatic pistol.

Spiller kept the weapon close to his body and did not brandish it at the officer but as a result of the incident trained firearms officers were called to the scene.

Mrs Cunningham said "Contact was made with Spiller by trained negotiators. Spiller then exited the property and was arrested."

The weapon turned out to be an unloaded air pistol.

Spiller,44, of Princes Street, Long Sutton, admitted possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence on 16 February.

Andrea Clarke, defending, said Spiller had a history of mental health problems and was suffering from depression.

"He felt he was losing control. His hope was that he would be shot. It was a desparate cry for help."

Sentence was adjourned until 24 October and Spiller was granted bail.