Milo Creese found not guilty by reason of insanity

Milo Creese, 40, has been found not guilty by reason of insanity for a three-week crime spree involving arson and a crossbow. The jury heard evidence that Creese targeted an Indian restaurant and 5G masts, driven by extreme right-wing ideology and delusional beliefs.

During the spree, Creese fired a crossbow bolt through a woman's window and assaulted two police officers. The Old Bailey heard that Creese's actions were motivated by terrorism and an extreme mindset, including hatred of Muslims and a belief that some atrocities were linked to 5G masts.

Defence and Prosecution Arguments

Prosecutor Lyndon Harris suggested Creese knew his actions were wrong, citing planned explosions with ball bearings and sophisticated gathering of weapons. He argued that the fires could have resulted in death and caused damage to critical infrastructure. However, Creese's defence barrister, James Gray, stated that Creese held a delusional belief system, seeing himself as a 'soldier of God' on a mission to 'save the world' against an 'evil' opposition.

The jury found Creese not guilty by reason of insanity on charges including arson with intent to endanger life, damaging property, possessing an offensive weapon, and assaulting an emergency worker.

Details of the Incidents

The court heard that on October 31 last year, Creese set fire to an Indian restaurant in Chertsey, Surrey, by pushing a burning cardboard device containing ball bearings and metal balls into the letterbox. The fire service contained the blaze before it could spread to residential flats above. CCTV footage showed a barefoot man placing the device and setting it alight before fleeing on a bicycle.

On November 20, Creese targeted a telecommunications box at Spinney Hill, Addlestone, with a fire. A witness reported hearing him shout, 'Go away, it’s going to blow.' A recovered rucksack contained bacon rashers, ball bearings, and compacted manure. The following day, a man matching Creese's description was seen lighting a bin bag and throwing it into a 5G mast compound. Shortly after, a crossbow bolt was fired through a woman's window from the street outside her home.

Officers responding to the 5G mast incident encountered Creese, who ran away. He was tasered without effect and, during a struggle, struck an officer with the crossbow.

Medical Evidence and Next Steps

Evidence from three psychiatrists presented to the court diagnosed Creese with schizoaffective disorder, with some suggestion of possible drug-induced psychosis. Creese, who attended court remotely from a mental health unit, had a history of heavy crystal meth abuse. The trial judge, Judge Richard Marks KC, ordered further reports and adjourned the case until November 6.