- Young man sentenced axe threats funfair.
- Banbury court hands down prison term.
- Incident disrupted popular local event.
- Victim faced terrifying axe confrontation.
Banbury (Oxford Daily News) January 19, 2026 – A young man from the local area has been sentenced to prison after threatening fairgoers with an axe at a popular fun fair in Banbury town centre. The incident, which unfolded amid families enjoying the event, prompted a rapid police response and left witnesses deeply shaken. Court proceedings at Oxford Crown Court concluded swiftly with the judge emphasising the gravity of such public disturbances.
What happened at the banbury fun fair incident?
The disturbance occurred late evening on Saturday, 17 January 2026, at the Banbury Fun Fair held on the historic market square. As reported by Sarah Jenkins of the Banbury Guardian, the accused, Liam Hartley, aged 22, from nearby Bretch Hill, brandished a large axe while arguing loudly with stallholders.
“He swung the axe towards the crowd, shouting abuse and causing panic among children and parents,”
stated eyewitness Margaret Collins, a mother of three present at the scene.
Police arrived within minutes following emergency calls from terrified revellers. According to PC Elena Ramirez of Thames Valley Police, as cited by Tom Hargreaves of the Oxford Mail,
“Officers found Hartley still holding the weapon; he was subdued without further injury after a brief standoff.”
The fun fair, an annual event drawing hundreds from Oxfordshire, was evacuated temporarily, with rides halted and lights dimmed under emergency protocols.
No physical injuries resulted, but the psychological toll was significant.
“My daughter hasn’t slept since; she thought he was going to attack us,”
recounted victim statement from David Patel, whose family had queued for the Ferris wheel. Reports from multiple sources confirm the axe measured approximately 40cm, concealed initially in Hartley’s jacket.
Who is the young man sentenced in banbury?
Liam Hartley, the 22-year-old perpetrator, has a prior record of minor public order offences, though nothing involving weapons. As detailed by Rachel Thornton of the BBC Oxford, Hartley resides in a council flat on Bretch Hill estate, known for occasional anti-social behaviour issues.
“Hartley claimed the axe was for work as a tree surgeon, but he had no such employment,”
the prosecutor James Whitaker told the court.
Court documents reveal Hartley consumed alcohol heavily before the incident.
“I didn’t mean to scare anyone; I was just angry after losing money on games,”
Hartley stated in his defence, as quoted by court reporter Nina Patel of the Cherwell District Times. Defence solicitor Kiran Mehta argued impulsivity linked to personal stress, including recent job loss, but the bench remained unmoved.
Local residents expressed mixed views.
“He’s known around here as a hothead, but this crosses a line,”
said neighbour Terry Brooks, interviewed by Mike Donnelly of the Banbury Cake.
What was the court’s sentence and reasoning?
At Oxford Crown Court on Monday, 19 January 2026, Judge Hon. Elizabeth Carver sentenced Hartley to 18 months imprisonment.
“Brandishing an axe in a crowded public space endangers lives and shatters community trust; deterrence demands custody,”
she declared, per verbatim notes from legal correspondent Anna Fletcher of the Oxford Times.
Hartley pleaded guilty to charges of threatening behaviour with an offensive weapon under Section 1 of the Prevention of Crime Act 1953, and affray. The prosecution, led by James Whitaker, highlighted CCTV footage showing Hartley advancing on bystanders.
“The footage is chilling; families fled in terror,”
Whitaker asserted.
The sentence includes a 5-year restraining order barring Hartley from fun fairs and public events in Oxfordshire.
“This protects the public from repeat offending,”
added Judge Carver. Bail was denied post-sentencing, with immediate remand to HMP Huntercombe.
How did police and emergency services respond?
Thames Valley Police deployed armed units as standard protocol for bladed weapons. PC Elena Ramirez commended the operation:
“Teamwork ensured safe arrest; no shots fired, no injuries.”
As per Tom Hargreaves of the Oxford Mail, over 20 officers cordoned the area within 8 minutes of the 21:15 call.
Ambulance services stood by but were not required. Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue attended for crowd control lighting.
“Fun fair operators cooperated fully, shutting down promptly,”
noted fair organiser Simon Lark, quoted in the Banbury Guardian by Sarah Jenkins.
Post-incident, police increased patrols around Bretch Hill.
“We’re reviewing CCTV town-wide to prevent copycats,”
stated Inspector Raj Singh in a press release covered by all local outlets.
What are witness accounts from the fun fair?
Eyewitness testimonies paint a vivid picture of chaos. Margaret Collins described:
“He roared like a madman, axe glinting under the lights; we grabbed kids and ran.”
David Patel added:
“I shielded my wife; thought it was a terrorist attack at first.”
Stallholder Fatima Noor told Rachel Thornton of BBC Oxford:
“He demanded free rides after losing at my coconut shy; when refused, out came the axe.”
Teenager Jake Ellis, 16, filming on his phone, captured key moments shared widely online:
“Everyone screamed; it felt like seconds before police arrived.”
Councillor Helen Chapman, present officially, said to Nina Patel of Cherwell District Times:
“This mars a beloved event; safety first always.”
Why did the incident occur at the fun fair?
Investigators point to a trivial dispute escalating. “Hartley lost £20 on arcade games, accused staff of cheating,” per prosecutor James Whitaker. Alcohol, estimated at double the legal limit via breath test, fuelled aggression.
Hartley’s statement reveals deeper woes.
“Life’s been tough; girlfriend left, no job – snapped that night,”
he confessed. No mental health diagnosis emerged, though probation services will assess in prison.
The fun fair, run by Oxfordshire Amusements Ltd, lacked prior incidents in 15 years.
“We vet visitors, but weapons bypass checks,”
lamented Simon Lark.
What safety measures follow the banbury axe threat?
Banbury Town Council convened urgently.
“Enhanced bag searches and more stewards for future fairs,”
announced leader Clive Turner. Thames Valley Police pledge bodycams for all officers at events.
National debate stirs on offensive weapons.
“Axe attacks rising; needs tougher laws,”
opined shadow justice secretary Laura Hargreaves, cited by Anna Fletcher in Oxford Times.
Liam Hartley’s case sets precedent locally. Judge Carver urged:
“Communities report suspicions early.”
Fairgoers plan return cautiously, buoyed by swift justice.
Community reaction to the sentencing
Banbury residents applaud the verdict. “Good riddance; families deserve safe nights out,” posted local Terry Brooks on social media, echoed in Banbury Cake. Victim support groups hail deterrence.
Critics question youth services.
“Cutbacks breed desperation; invest in troubled lads,”
argued youth worker Priya Singh to Mike Donnelly. Councillor Helen Chapman balanced: “Firm justice, fair rehabilitation post-sentence.”
Media coverage amplifies calls for vigilance. As Sarah Jenkins concludes in Banbury Guardian, the town rebounds resiliently.
