Blast risk man 'under charged'

May 9 2008 by Hilary Clixby, The Journal

A DRUNKEN man forced neighbours to be evacuated when he deliberately fractured a gas pipe during a two-and-a-half hour armed siege.

Philip Raine also slashed at police officers with a knife and hurled furniture at them during the tense late-night stand-off last March.

The 37-year-old, who triggered the siege after attacking his partner, was finally arrested after officers with shields forced their way into his home in Bunyan Avenue, South Shields.

Five houses had to be evacuated because of the danger of explosion after Raine caused a gas leak by damaging a pipe, Newcastle Crown Court was told yesterday.

Raine, who already had a string of convictions for offences including kidnap and violence, admitted common assault, using violence to secure entry to premises, criminal damage and affray.

He was sentenced to 12 months in prison with 18 months extended licence by Recorder Ben Nolan, who said his hands were tied because in his view, Raine had been under charged.

Raine had already assaulted his partner of seven years Tracey Odgaard in an unprovoked attack at their home when the siege began, the court heard.

He had followed Ms Odgaard when she fled to her mother’s to safety, kicked the door to get in and threatened to stab a community support officer who challenged him as he headed back home.

Tony Glover, prosecuting, said: “As police approached the house, the ground floor window smashed and a chair was thrown out the window.

“Raine appeared at the window, brandishing two large knives, one in each hand, saying “Come and get me, you bastards.’”

At some point Raine damaged a gas pipe and arrangements were made to evacuate five neighbouring homes. The ambulance service, the fire brigade and gas engineers all attended.

“As the smell of gas was reported to be getting stronger towards the rear of the premises, Raine was seen on at least one occasion brandishing a lighter,” said Mr Glover.

“He is seen to be hitting the gas meter. Eventually a decision was taken to force entry to the premises.” Mr Glover said officers who forced their way in were confronted in the darkness by Raine, armed with a knife and claw hammer at the top of the stairs.

He hurled items including a wardrobe, a television set and a pushchair at the officers and slashed towards them with the knife as they approached.

He was finally arrested and handcuffed after throwing down his weapons.

Stephen Duffield, defending, said Raine accepted damaging the gas pipe in his drunken state, but denied he had done it deliberately to cause gas to escape.