Devon Man Jailed 10 Months for Pub Axe Threats

Jason Semple, a 54-year-old man from Okehampton, was sentenced to 10 months in prison after he entered the White Hart Hotel pub armed with an axe and threatened two men known to him in the beer garden. The incident occurred on April 13 in daylight, causing concern among pub-goers and the wider community. Semple waved the axe menacingly and only ceased his threat after a member of the public intervened; he then fled the scene by climbing over a fence. Police launched a significant search involving armed units, a helicopter, and dog units, ultimately arresting Semple, who claimed to have no memory of the event or the origin of the weapon. He pleaded guilty to two counts of threatening a person with a bladed weapon in a public place and expressed shame and embarrassment before sentencing. Sector Inspector Daniel Jones commended those who intervened and helped police resolve the situation swiftly.