24 HOURS in Police Custody featured the intense 14-hour armed stand-off between Bedfordshire police and two suspects, Nathan Turner and Paul Burton. The incident, which took place at a tower block in Bedford, involved a cold takeaway delivery driver being taken hostage.
Nathan Turner, 37, and Paul Burton resided in the flats at Bury Court during the time of the incident. The stand-off unfolded after Turner and Burton threatened their neighbors with a high-powered air rifle, leading to a 999 call to the police.
As the situation escalated, Turner and Burton trapped a delivery driver in a lift for over two hours, claiming their food was cold and late. The suspects were described as being drunk and under the influence of drugs during the ordeal.
The stand-off continued as Burton threatened to shoot police officers, leading to him firing at a police car’s windscreen. Turner also caused damage by throwing paint and plants from a balcony before eventually surrendering. Burton surrendered nearly 14 hours after the standoff began.
Following their arrest, Nathan Turner admitted to affray and four charges of criminal damage, resulting in a 20-month sentence. Paul Burton, on the other hand, pleaded guilty to attempting to cause grievous bodily harm and two counts of possessing a firearm without a certificate, leading to a seven-year jail term.
Detective Superintendent Steve Ashdown of Bedfordshire Police commended the successful and peaceful resolution of the incident. He emphasized the importance of the different units, teams, and partners that worked together to support and ensure the safety of all residents and officers involved.
The judge presiding over the case described the incident as appalling and terrifying due to the presence of a firearm. This alarming siege underscored the challenges faced by police in handling violent incidents, anti-social behavior, and mental health crises.
