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.

Read more: BBC News