World · Europe · 56 mins ago
Bedford council speaker denies threats and weapon charges
Bedford Borough Council speaker Tim Caswell faces three criminal charges after police were called to his home in Bedford over welfare concerns.
The charges are making threats to kill, threatening to damage or destroy property, and possessing an offensive weapon in a private place.
Caswell pleaded not guilty to all three charges at Luton Magistrates’ Court.
The 66-year-old has represented Goldington Ward as a Liberal Democrat councillor since 2019 and became council speaker in May.
He has been remanded in custody while the case continues.
The Liberal Democrats have suspended him from the party, and he now sits as an independent.
His next hearing is scheduled for 27 November at Luton Crown Court.
Bedford Borough Council speaker Tim Caswell denied three charges at Luton Magistrates’ Court on 26 October.
The charges are making threats to kill, making threats to damage or destroy property, and possessing an offensive weapon in a private place.
The 66-year-old councillor was remanded in custody pending a pre-trial hearing at Luton Crown Court on 27 November.
Bedfordshire Police were called to Crispin Drive shortly before 19:15 on Friday, 23 October, over concerns for welfare.
Caswell has represented Goldington as a Liberal Democrat councillor since 2019 and was elected council speaker in May.
- Who
- Tim Caswell, speaker of Bedford Borough Council and councillor for Goldington.
- What
- He denied charges of making threats to kill, making threats to damage or destroy property, and possessing an offensive weapon in a private place.
- When
- He appeared in court on 26 October 2026. The police were called on 23 October.
- Where
- Luton Magistrates’ Court and Crispin Drive, Bedford.
- Why
- Police were called over concerns for welfare.
Tim Caswell
The charges
Allegations
Tim Caswell
Caswell pleaded not guilty to making threats to kill, making threats to damage or destroy property, and possessing an offensive weapon in a private place.
The charges
He has been charged with making threats to kill, making threats to damage or destroy property, and possessing an offensive weapon in a private place.
Bedfordshire Police were called to Crispin Drive shortly before 19:15 over concerns for welfare.
Caswell appeared at Luton Magistrates’ Court and denied the charges.
A pre-trial hearing at Luton Crown Court was scheduled.
- Age
- 66
- Ward
- Goldington
- Police call
- Shortly before 19:15 on 23 October
- Court appearance
- Luton Magistrates’ Court, 26 October
- Next hearing
- 27 November at Luton Crown Court
3 sources
What people are saying
This is a police investigation, and it would not be appropriate to comment at this time.
police resources, including specialist firearms officers, attended the scene to ensure the incident was managed safely