A man at the centre of a 25-hour siege at a Norfolk church has appeared in court accused of using a machete to cause a “deep gash” to a police officer's leg as he was tasered.

Kleovrotos Thomadakis, 34, has been charged with GBH with intent, possession of an offensive weapon in a public place and criminal damage following the incident at St Martin's church, in Overstrand, last week.

Officers were called to the building at around 4pm on Thursday, September 26, 2024, to reports of concern for the safety of a man who appeared distressed and had locked himself in the church.

Armed police, dog units and specialist negotiators remained at the scene throughout the night and following day, until the incident ended at around 5.30pm on Friday, when officers entered the building.
Police outside the church in OverstrandPolice outside the church in Overstrand (Image: Denise Bradley) The court was told that one officer was injured as police entered the church and tasered the man.

The officer suffered a "deep gash" to his leg from a machete and was taken to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. They have since been discharged.

Thomadakis, of Willow Tree Close, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, appeared at Norwich Magistrates' Court on Monday to face the charges.

he defendant has been remanded and is due to appear at Norwich Crown Court on October 28.

Police in the church grounds at OverstrandPolice in the church grounds at Overstrand (Image: Denise Bradley)