Ellesmere gunman who threatened police given indefinite sentence

A 49-year-old man involved in an armed siege at his Shropshire home has been given an indefinite prison sentence.

Mark Sheriden threatened to shoot police officers in the seven-hour hour stand-off.

Sheriden, of Smithfield Way, Ellesmere, had a 19th century revolver.

Yesterday at Shrewsbury Crown Court he was jailed for public protection and told he must serve a minimum of three years.

Judge Robert Trevor-Jones told Sheriden reports indicated he presented a danger to the public.

He said the defendant had a history of mood swings and angry outbursts and had threatened staff during previous bouts of psychiatric treatment.

Judge Trevor Jones said: "You were spotted in the public house in a drunken state pointing this firearm, together with rounds of ammunition. The people who saw this clearly caused significant concern for one person to alert the police. I consider that you do present a danger."

Sheriden admitted possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence and possession of a prohibited weapon.