Geoff Marshall, a 41-year-old resident of Norton Fitzwarren, has been sentenced to two years in jail following a series of dangerous incidents on September 10. Marshall admitted to assault by beating, criminal damage, and dangerous driving charges at Taunton Crown Court.
The events unfolded when police were called to an address on Station Road, responding to a woman’s distress call. Marshall, upon seeing the officers, attempted to flee the scene in his vintage 1958 M35 truck. In his desperate bid to escape, he rammed into police vehicles and reversed into the property, causing significant damage.
Officers tried to remove Marshall from the truck by breaking its window. However, he brandished a chainsaw, threatening the officers and proceeding to drive through multiple police vehicles. The chase continued as Marshall collided with five unoccupied vehicles and a lamppost before reaching an M5 over-bridge.
Worryingly, Marshall climbed over the wrong side of the barrier, posing a threat to himself and others. Thankfully, officers successfully talked him back over the barrier and arrested him.
During the trial, Judge Edward Burgess acknowledged Marshall’s remorse but deemed his actions as “extremely reckless.” The judge emphasised the high risk of injury or even death to the officers involved. Consequently, Marshall received a two-year custodial sentence and a two-year driving disqualification.
Detective Inspector Claire Millington praised the bravery of the officers who confronted Marshall that day. She emphasised the significant damage caused to police vehicles, private cars, and property, resulting in hundreds of thousands of pounds in losses. Furthermore, the incident disrupted emergency response capabilities and inconvenienced the local community and motorway users.
