Council speaker denies making threats to kill

The speaker of Bedford Borough Council has denied making threats to kill and possessing an offensive weapon.

Tim Caswell was arrested by armed officers after Bedfordshire Police was called to Crispin Drive shortly before 19:15 BST on Friday over concerns for welfare.

The 66-year-old, who lives on the street, pleaded not guilty to the two charges at Luton Magistrates' Court, as well as denying a third charge of making threats to damage or destroy property.

He was remanded into custody pending a pre-trial hearing on 27 November.

Caswell was the Liberal Democrat councillor for the Goldington Ward, having been elected in 2019, and was elected speaker of the council in May.

A spokesperson for Bedford Borough Liberal Democrats said he had been suspended from the party since the arrest, meaning he now sits as an independent.

"This is a police investigation and it would not be appropriate to comment at this time," the spokesperson added.

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