22-07-2025
Man jailed after stand-off with armed police in Caldicot
Police were called to a disturbance at Nathan Leatherland's address on Denny View in Caldicot on the morning of April 10. They were met by the defendant's brother who warned them the situation was 'likely to escalate', prosecutor Paul Hewitt said.
Leatherland began shouting 'How about you f*** off' at the police from an upstairs window. He then shouted: 'Get in here and I'll cause you problems you little piggy c***s', and threw a tin of paint out the window, and then said: 'If you come near me, I'll slit your throat'.
Firearms officers were called due to concerns that the defendant was armed, and it became apparent Leatherland had damaged the inside of the council property and created a barricade against the door. He had also thrown paint down the stairs and ripped a radiator off the wall.
After negotiating with the defendant, he agreed he would come outside if the officers left him a can of Stella on the doorstep.
Mr Hewitt said that after returning from the shop to get the beer, the officers managed to get inside the property. Leatherland was Tasered and then arrested.
The stand-off lasted 'some hours', and the damage was estimated to be worth £2,000, the court heard.
In interview, Leatherland told police the damage 'already pre-existed' and had been reported to Monmouthshire council.
Nathan Leatherland was arrested after an hours-long stand-off with armed police. (Image: Gwent Police)
He pleaded guilty to affray and criminal damage.
Mr Hewitt said the 33-year-old had seven convictions for 15 offences, including for affray in an 'almost identical' incident in January – for which he was on licence for.
Kevin Seal, in mitigation, said: 'The defendant has indicated remorse by his guilty plea.
'During the course of his interview he didn't seek to blame the police.
'It is unfortunate that the defendant clearly has some mental health difficulties.'
Mr Seal said the defendant accepted when 'the red mist comes down' he loses control, but said he was now 'seeking help with those mental health issues'.
He said Leatherland had been responding well with the probation service – attending 22 sessions out of 25, with those three absences being deemed 'acceptable'.
Judge Carl Harrison sentenced Leatherland to eight months imprisonment.
