More than 100 British Keystone Kops in 19-hour siege against man armed with…..a bottle of Cillit Bang [household cleaning product]

Richard Jablonski was charged with possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear and violence. But a judge threw the case out after prosecutors failed to offer any evidence. Police predictably unapologetic, however. They're just drama queens

More than 100 armed police officers swooped on a home and engaged in a tense 19-hour stand off with a man armed to the teeth - with a bottle of Cillit Bang.

But despite his kitchen arsenal of bleach-based products, Richard Jablonski was unable to make a clean getaway. Instead, the crack tactical operations squad arrested him for possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear and violence. Incredibly, Jablonski, 38, was later charged and hauled before a court.

But the bizarre case was finally dropped at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court on Tuesday after prosecutors failed to offer any evidence.

Jablonski, from Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs., had been due to stand trial early next month but Judge Paul Glenn returned a not guilty verdict.

Staffordshire Police refused to reveal the cost of the case - despite coming under pressure from their own police authority members. But estimates based on officers’ overtime and the cost of an armed response team have priced the siege at around £30,000. A similar siege involving 50 officers surrounding a house for 20 hours in Gloucester cost taxpayers £15,000.

If the case had gone to trial at crown court, the final bill would have run into hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Paul Spratt, prosecuting, told the court: 'When officers got to the address the defendant was alleged to have produced a gun, before retiring into the property and holding them at bay.

'The defendant asserted what he was holding was a bottle of Cillit Bang. 'There is an unresolvable conflict between the evidence from the police and the evidence of the defendant. 'Therefore the prosecution offers no evidence in this case.'

Armed police had cordoned off part of an estate as they tried to coax Jablonski out of the house during the siege on January 6.

After the incident, officers recovered a BB gun from Jablonski’s kitchen - although it is now accepted he was not holding the firearm during the siege.

Staffordshire Police today defended the costly operation. In a joint statement with Staffordshire Crown Prosecution Service, the force said: 'The CPS, after consulting with Staffordshire Police, has decided to offer no evidence, for legal and evidential reasons.

'For the duration of the incident the police response was overseen by highly-trained and skilled officers who managed the situation in a measured manner and ultimately brought it to a safe and peaceful conclusion. 'Despite the outcome of the court case the police response was entirely necessary and proportionate.

'We recognise the disruption this incident caused to the local community at the time and wish to thank people for their support and understanding. 'Staffordshire Police take reports of incidents where firearms are believed to be involved very seriously. 'Our absolute priority is to ensure the safety of the public, our officers and those individuals involved.'

Original report




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