Man appears in court on stabbing and weapon threat charges after armed swoop in South Shields

A man accused of sparking an armed police raid after making gun threats during an alleged street stabbing, has appeared in court.
Armed responce officer's of Victoria Road South ShieldsArmed responce officer's of Victoria Road South Shields
Armed responce officer's of Victoria Road South Shields

A man accused of sparking an armed police raid after making gun threats during an alleged street stabbing, has appeared in court.

Darren Lockyer stood in the dock at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court this afternoon charged with possession of an imitation firearm, threatening a person with an offensive weapon and actual bodily harm following an incident in Westoe Road, South Shields, on Monday morning.

Darren Lockyer appeared at South Tyneside Magistrates' Court today.Darren Lockyer appeared at South Tyneside Magistrates' Court today.
Darren Lockyer appeared at South Tyneside Magistrates' Court today.
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The 37-year-old, of Newmarket Walk, South Shields, entered no pleas to the trio of charges during a brief hearing at the court.

All matters were sent to Newcastle Crown Court for an initial hearing on August 23.

Magistrates agreed to grant him bail until his court date - but will be kept in custody until the result of an appeal lodged by the Crown Prosecution Service is heard.

A massive police response was scrambled on Monday morning after reports of a man being stabbed in Westoe Road, in South Shields.

Darren Lockyer appeared at South Tyneside Magistrates' Court today.Darren Lockyer appeared at South Tyneside Magistrates' Court today.
Darren Lockyer appeared at South Tyneside Magistrates' Court today.
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A fleet of police patrol cars, dog unit vans and officers armed with guns and shields descended on the area.

A force helicopter was also launched and continued to circle the skies while police combed the area.

Glenda Beck, prosecuting, said that Lockyer should be remanded in custody until his date at the crown court.

Mrs Beck said; “The application by the prosecution is to remand in custody.”

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The court was told that Kevin Sweet, 26, was left with a red mark to the chest after being stabbed with a sharp implement, which ripped through his clothing but did not puncture his skin.

He did not require hospital treatment.

Mrs Beck added: “An independent witness driving through the area said she saw a man lunge towards another man in a stabbing motion.

“She said she saw a man pull out a black handgun and point it at the other man.”

Valerie Bell, defending, said that Lockyer should keep his liberty until his next court appearance.

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Gordon Minto, chair of the magistrates, granted Lockyer bail, with the conditions that he does not contact witnesses and keeps to a electronically monitored curfew between the hours of 7pm and 7am each day.

Lockyer was remanded in custody pending the outcome of the appeal hearing at Newcastle Crown Court in the next 48 hours.