Northwich man arrested after police open fire may be mentally ill

Firearms officers were called to Robert McNally’s home in Burgess Place, Castle, on Monday, July 8, after concerns were raised for a man’s safety.

They were seen surrounding his home, with the force later confirming bullets were discharged. Residents reported hearing ‘multiple shots’ fired towards the house.

No serious injuries were reported, but 43-year-old McNally was taken into custody and police seized an imitation firearm.

A cordon remained in place overnight before officers found a ‘suspicious package' at the property at around 1.15pm on Tuesday, July 9.

Nearby residents were evacuated as a precaution as bomb disposal officers worked to determine the package was harmless.

Bomb disposal officers investigated a suspicious package found at McNally's home, but it turned out to be harmless (Image: Supplied)

McNally was charged with possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, and criminal damage to a police vehicle.  

The 43-year-old was remanded in custody before appearing at Chester Crown Court on Wednesday, August 7, by video link from Altcourse Prison in Liverpool.

McNally’s barrister, Nicholas Williams, told the court his client would be entering no plea on the basis of his mental health at the time of the incident.

Residents reported shots were fired, which Cheshire Police later confirmed were theirs (Image: Supplied)

Mr Williams said McNally has 'longstanding issues with mental illness', and 'at the time of the offences, had only recently been discharged from hospital after a long stay'.

He asked His Honor Judge Stephen Everett to adjourn the case so a psychiatric assessment could be made to determine whether McNally was fit to enter a plea.

Judge Everett agreed, though set a trial date for the week beginning November 18, as well as a pre-trial preparation hearing on October 25. 

NcNally was arrested on suspicion of possessing a firearm, but it turned out to be an imitation (Image: Supplied)

McNally's fitness to plead will be determined by a judge on the first day of the trial, and if he is found fit and pleads not guilty, a jury trial will proceed the following day.

Prosecuting, Peter Hussey told the court some of the firearms officers involved in McNally’s arrest will be applying for anonymity to stop their names being made public.

No decision has yet been taken on whether this will be allowed.