Overstrand incident - man charged

A man has been remanded into custody following an incident in Overstrand last week.

Kleovrotos Thomadakis, age 34, of Willow Tree Close, Mansfield, appeared at Norwich Magistrates’ Court this morning (Monday 30 September 2024) charged with wounding (GBH) with intent, possession of an offensive weapon in a public place and criminal damage.

It follows an incident at St Martins Church, Overstrand, on Thursday (26 September 2024) when officers were called just before 4pm following a report of concern for the safety of a man aged in his 30s, who appeared distressed and had locked himself in the church.

Police believed the man was carrying a knife. Several police resources, including firearms officers and trained negotiators, were deployed to the scene.

The man was arrested inside the church shortly after 5.30pm on Friday (27 September 2024) and taken to hospital with minor injuries.

Later that evening, he was discharged from hospital and transferred to Wymondham Police Investigation Centre. Following an assessment which deemed him to be fit to be interviewed, the man was questioned by officers and subsequently charged with wounding (GBH) with intent, possession of an offensive weapon in a public place and criminal damage.

A police officer, who suffered a cut to his leg in the incident, was treated at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, and has been discharged.

Kleovrotos Thomadakis appeared before magistrates’ today (Monday 30 September 2024) and was remanded into custody by the court to appear at Norwich Crown Court on 28 October 2024.