SIMON TAIT FROM SURLINGHAM INVOLVED IN ARMED INCIDENT NEAR NORFOLK BROADS

In May 2021, a tense and dangerous confrontation unfolded outside the Coldham Hall Tavern in Surlingham, South Norfolk, involving local resident Simon Tait, aged 38. The incident was triggered when Tait arrived at the pub armed with a replica assault rifle, which he brandished in a threatening manner, causing panic among patrons and passersby alike.

Police officers responded swiftly to reports of a man threatening to shoot people at the pub. Bodycam footage captured the moment officers arrived on the scene and encountered Tait, who was dressed in military-style clothing. As the officers approached, Tait pointed what appeared to be a genuine M16 assault rifle at them, creating a highly volatile situation. Given the circumstances, the officers faced an immediate dilemma: whether to treat the weapon as real or fake, as the risk of deadly force was imminent.

One officer, who exited the vehicle and was armed with a less-lethal AEP launcher, took decisive action. Recognizing the potential threat, he fired a rubber bullet at Tait, striking him in the leg and causing him to drop the weapon. This quick response was crucial in preventing a potentially lethal outcome. A female officer then rushed to Tait’s side with a police taser, and he was subsequently detained outside the pub, which is situated near the scenic Norfolk Broads.

It was later revealed that Tait’s firearm was a harmless replica, but his intent was far more sinister. He appeared to be deliberately provoking police into shooting him, a tactic often associated with a 'suicide by cop' scenario. This incident occurred amidst ongoing investigations into Tait’s possession of indecent images of children, which added a disturbing layer to the events.

The incident on May 23 was marked by chaos and fear, as Tait arrived at the pub brandishing the imitation weapon and threatening to shoot. Witnesses reported that some patrons fled in terror, while others hid in fear. During the chaos, Tait also assaulted a police officer while being taken to hospital for treatment of the leg injury caused by the rubber bullet. His behavior in hospital was aggressive; he grabbed and twisted a police officer’s wrist and attempted to spit at him.

Prior to this incident, police had already been investigating Tait for possessing over 1,000 indecent images of children, which were found on his mobile phone during a search warrant executed at his home. The investigation was initiated after Tait shared an online image that prompted further scrutiny. The court heard that Tait had earlier made a threatening phone call to the pub, stating he would come armed and intending to cause harm.

During the court proceedings at Norwich Crown Court, Judge Andrew Shaw described Tait as having become 'completely unstable' due to earlier events, including the possession of child abuse images and his recent actions. The judge emphasized that Tait’s behavior was driven by a desire to end his own life, but his actions posed a serious risk to others as well. Tait was found guilty of multiple charges, including possessing a replica firearm, making threats, assaulting a police officer, and possessing indecent images of children.

In sentencing, Tait received a prison term of four years and four months. Additionally, he was subjected to a ten-year sexual harm prevention order (SHPO) and was placed on the sex offenders register for a decade. The court’s decision reflected the severity of his actions and the danger he posed to the community, especially given his history and the volatile nature of the incident in Surlingham that day.