Shropshire Star

Market Drayton man, 22, accused of firing shots at van near Newport

A Market Drayton man accused of firing shots at a British Telecom van has appeared in court to face charges relating to an incident near Newport in which a vehicle was damaged.

Published
Last updated
Police at the scene of the incident

Kelvin James Simpson, 22, is accused of an offence of possessing a firearm, namely a taser which was disguised as another object, an offence of firing an air weapon, and criminal damage on December 8, 2016 in Howle.

No-one was injured in the incident after reports of shots being fired in Howle, but firearms officers from the Shropshire Operations Unit were scrambled to the hamlet about five miles from Newport, shortly after 12.20am.

At the time West Mercia Police made two arrests in relating to allegations that a long-barrelled shotgun was used to fire three shots.

Simpson, of Kings Avenue, Market Drayton, appeared at Telford Magistrates Court to face the charges.

The bench committed the case to Shrewsbury Crown Court for a plea and directions hearing next month. The defendant was given unconditional bail until then.