A man who held two members of staff at bowling alley hostage at gunpoint has been jailed for 12 years, prosecutors have said.

David Clarke, 54, admitted the offences at an earlier hearing at Warwick crown court following the incident in Nuneaton on 22 October last year, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said.



Clarke drove to the bowling alley at Bermuda Park, armed with a sawn-off shotgun and a large knife concealed on his body, believing his ex-partner was on the premises.

Stephen Davies, district crown prosecutor with West Midlands CPS, said: “At the time of the offence there were many young children and families present within the bowling alley and surrounding areas.

David Clarke. Photograph: Warkwickshire Police/PA

“Clarke’s actions were not only irresponsible, they left members of the public and emergency services to fear that their lives were in danger.

“The incident would have been traumatic for all those who were present, and especially the two staff members who were held against their will for four hours. Clarke must now face the consequences of his actions.”

Clarke was convicted of offences including possessing an imitation firearm with intent, false imprisonment, and damaging property.

He began drinking in the bar area before brandishing the weapons and ordering members of the public to leave the premises, the CPS said.

During this time, Clarke imprisoned and threatened two members of staff with the shotgun and caused damage to the venue.

Armed police attended the scene and a hostage situation was declared.

Clarke then ordered one of the hostages to go to his car and collect a samurai sword from it. He threatened to injure the other hostage if his instructions were not obeyed.

Police negotiators were in contact with Clarke throughout the incident but after hearing potential gunfire, officers entered the bowling alley, rescued both hostages and arrested him.