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Crossbow attack accused fired at friend - court

BBC Police car parked on Victoria Avenue with blue an white police tape across the street in front of the police car.BBC
Police were called to Victoria Avenue in Hull on the evening of 7 October 2024

A man accused of firing a crossbow at a friend's house told police he had been "hypnotised," a court heard.

Andrew Woollen, 50, is alleged to have fired numerous shots at the property on Victoria Avenue, Hull, in October.

He has been ruled by a judge not fit to plead on four charges including attempted murder, criminal damage and two weapon offences.

A trial of the facts hearing has been taking place before a jury at Hull Crown Court, which will determine if he carried out the attack.

Opening the trial, prosecutor Claire Holmes said Mr Woollen had been friends with the family, who lived in the house, for 30 years.

She said at about 10:40 BST, on the night of 7 October, the homeowner was woken by sounds of breaking glass.

He looked out of the bedroom window and saw the accused standing between two cars on the street outside, Ms Holmes said.

The court heard the man recognised him and shouted from the window: "What are you doing?".

The prosecutor said the defendant fired bolts on "multiple occasions" while the man was "stood at the bedroom window looking out".

Giving evidence, the homeowner said he was "extremely shocked" by the incident.

He said after the police arrived he went outside and saw "a series of piercing holes through the front of the house" and a "littering of crossbow bolts on the front garden".

An exterior view of Hull Crown Court a red brick three story building with a glass dome above the central doorway which has a flight of steps outside
The hearing is taking place at Hull Crown Court

Ms Holmes told the court Mr Woollen was arrested outside the house.

She described his behaviour as "bizarre", saying he told officers: "She has hypnotised me."

The hearing cannot find Mr Woollen, of Perth Street, Hull, guilty but can acquit him of the charges.

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