BRIAN PICKARD FROM GOOLE CAUSES STANDOFF AFTER DODGING SEX OFFENDERS' REGISTER IN EAST YORKSHIRE

In a tense and alarming incident in Goole, East Yorkshire, Brian Pickard, a man with a troubling criminal history, was involved in a dramatic standoff with police that culminated in a siege at a caravan in Glews Hollow. The events unfolded on the morning of February 16, 2003, when law enforcement officers, having tracked Pickard down to this remote location, arrived to question him about his failure to update his address on the sex offenders' register.

Pickard, aged 44, had previously served a significant prison sentence of six years for attempted rape and four counts of indecent assault involving young girls. His release from prison had occurred just a few months prior, in September 2002. Despite his release, he had moved residences multiple times—four times within just five months—making it difficult for authorities to keep track of his whereabouts.

When police approached him at approximately 7:00 a.m., Pickard’s response was aggressive and threatening. According to the prosecution, Andrew Woolman, Pickard brandished a carving knife and threatened to harm the officers. Witnesses reported that he was also seen pouring lighter fuel onto paper, seemingly preparing to ignite it. The situation quickly escalated as Pickard barricaded himself inside the caravan, refusing to come out and indicating that he intended to detonate an explosive device, or at least threaten to do so.

During the tense hours of the siege, Pickard remained inside the caravan, which was locked from the inside. The police attempted negotiations, but the standoff persisted until approximately 8:45 a.m., when Pickard finally emerged from the caravan unarmed. His surrender marked the end of a harrowing episode that drew significant attention from local authorities and the community.

Legal proceedings revealed that Pickard had no remorse for his actions during the incident. His defense lawyer, Tony Stephenson, argued that Pickard felt unprepared to return to custody and that his behavior was a response to the police’s attempt to arrest him. Stephenson emphasized that Pickard did not attempt to use the knife during the confrontation, describing his actions as irresponsible but not necessarily malicious.

Pickard subsequently pleaded guilty to charges of affray and failing to notify the police of a change of address, as mandated by the National Sex Offenders’ Register. The court, presided over by Judge Simon Lawler, sentenced him to two years in prison. The judge emphasized the seriousness of failing to keep the police informed about his whereabouts, noting that Pickard’s apparent lack of remorse was concerning and indicative of his attitude towards his criminal obligations.

In delivering the sentence, Judge Lawler underscored the importance of accountability among sex offenders and the risks posed when individuals evade their legal responsibilities. The incident in Goole remains a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in monitoring and managing offenders, especially those with a history of sexual crimes.