A 53-year-old man has been convicted after pointing a loaded crossbow at his neighbours, sparking an 18-hour police stand-off in Gorleston, Norfolk.
Darren Mahoney, of Potters Field, was found guilty of affray over the incident on 21 September. He refused to attend his trial at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court in Essex and was convicted in his absence. Magistrates deliberated for 23 minutes before delivering the verdict, and Mahoney is due to be sentenced at Great Yarmouth Magistrates’ Court on 26 November.
Neighbours described terrifying scenes during the incident. One witness recalled being woken at around 06:30 BST by a “really loud bang,” initially thinking his five-year-old granddaughter had caused it. When he banged on the wall to ask Mahoney to keep the noise down, Mahoney responded with expletives and returned to the back door in his wheelchair holding a crossbow.
The neighbour said: “As I was ducked down I heard a click, [it] sounded like the cocking of a weapon, and I stood up with him pointing the crossbow at me and that’s when I then ducked down behind the fence and said to my wife ‘Call the police; he’s got a crossbow’.”
Mahoney’s wife also gave evidence, describing the ordeal as traumatic for the family, including their young granddaughter and daughter with learning difficulties. “I didn’t even know it was a crossbow until I saw it pointing at my husband’s head. I still hear it to this day,” she said.
Police arrived at the scene, and after nearly 18 hours Mahoney left the house voluntarily and was arrested. Officers recovered the loaded and cocked crossbow, multiple sharpened bolts, and a magazine capable of firing several bolts. Tests showed he had not consumed alcohol or recreational drugs, though he was prescribed methadone.
In interviews, Mahoney claimed he believed his neighbours were “invading his thoughts” and described himself as a “prepper,” stating the weapon would allow his children to hunt and gather food in the event of a Russian invasion or chemical attack. He denied pointing the crossbow at his neighbours or making threats.
Chairwoman of the bench, Kate Atherton, confirmed the court’s finding that Mahoney had threatened unlawful violence. “We are satisfied that Mr Mahoney threatened unlawful violence and [pointed] a loaded, sprung crossbow at his neighbour’s head. We found a reasonable person would fear for their safety,” she said.
Mahoney had previously pleaded guilty to possessing a zombie-style knife but sacked his defence solicitor before the trial. He was unrepresented in court, with no defence evidence or witnesses called.
The case has left the local community shaken, highlighting the dangers of armed confrontations and the serious consequences of threatening behaviour.
