Crossbow-wielding arsonist not guilty due to insanity

A crossbow-wielding arsonist who targeted an Indian restaurant and 5G masts in a three-week campaign has been found not guilty by a jury by reason of insanity.

Milo Creese, 40, also fired a 15cm crossbow bolt through a woman's window and assaulted two police officers as they tried to arrest him in Surrey, the Old Bailey heard.

Prosecutor Lyndon Harris said Creese was motivated by terrorism and an extreme hatred of Muslims, believing that some alleged Islamic atrocities were linked to 5G masts.

But a jury found Creese not guilty to charges of arson with intent to endanger life, arson, damaging property, having an offensive weapon in public and two assaults on an emergency worker.

The prosecutor suggested Creese had planned explosions with ball bearings and other "very serious violence".

He added that Creese could have "verily easily" killed people when he set the Indian restaurant - which had flats above it - ablaze last October.

Fires started by the 40-year-old also damaged "critical infrastructure", he continued.

Creese admitted doing the acts alleged against him, but claimed insanity in defence.

Defence barrister James Gray said Creese had a delusional belief system that he was a "soldier of God" on a mission to "save the world".

Creese claimed he was on the side opposing "evil personified", which he considered Islam.

On November 20, Creese targeted a telecommunications box at Spinney Hill, Addlestone.

A witness saw him running away from a fire, shouting: "Go away, it's going to blow."

Emergency services recovered a black rucksack on the scene containing bacon rashers and compacted manure, the court heard.

The following day, a company monitoring CCTV at 5G mast locations allegedly saw a man throwing a light bin bag into a compound and running off.

He was seen holding a crossbow in a bag, and the police were alerted.

Minutes later – before police could attend the 5G mast incident – a Chertsey resident telephoned the police and said a crossbow had been shot through her window.

Creese, from Ottershaw, Surrey, had denied the charges against him.

He declined to answer questions in a police interview or give evidence in his trial.

The court heard three psychiatrists who diagnosed Creese with schizoaffective disorder and possible drug-induced psychosis.

The defendant, who attended court remotely from a mental health unit, had a history of heavy crystal meth abuse, but had never been in trouble with police before, jurors were told.

The verdict means the judge, Richard Marks KC, can make a hospital order for Creese's ongoing treatment under the Mental Health Act.

The judge ordered further reports and adjourned the case until 6 November.

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