THE man who endangered the lives of police officers by firing a double-barrelled shotgun out of a window in a bid to evade arrest in Castle Cary has been given a 29-year sentence, which includes a prison term of 24 years.

Daniel Hannam, of no fixed address, was convicted by a jury earlier this week of endangering the lives of police officers during the shooting incident in Park Street on Wednesday, January 23.

He had admitted charges of possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, making use of a firearm with intent to resist arrest, attempted kidnap, and attempted burglary relating to a series of offences he had committed in Castle Cary, described in court as “a rampage”.

The offences he admitted also included an armed robbery at the Co-op in Mudford Road, Yeovil, on Thursday, January 17, in which he threatened staff with a shotgun.

At Bristol Crown Court today (Friday), Mr Justice Soole sentenced Hannam to the 24-year prison term and a further five years on licence.

At the hearing, the judge expressed his admiration for the bravery of the officers involved in arresting Hannam, and he awarded Crown Court Commendations to five firearms officers, as well as to the investigation team.

ACC Nikki Watson said: “These five firearms officers were involved in a fast-moving and highly dangerous operation.

"We’re immensely proud of the professionalism and bravery they showed on that night, as well as the wider firearms team and all those involved in the response.

"They are a credit to the police service – as are the entire team who investigated Daniel Hannam’s escalating series of criminal offences.

"Firearms officers are highly skilled, trained and dedicated to their role. They move towards danger when people are running from it. They are ready to respond to keep the public safe and on the evening of these shootings, these officers went above and beyond the call of duty.

“The body worn video footage of the incident and the photos of the damage caused to a police vehicle are testament to the danger they were in and it’s only by chance that no-one was seriously injured or worse.”