Hero policeman praised for stopping explosion

A hero policeman from Marlow who stopped a drunk blowing up his flat and neighbours has been praised by a judge.

Inspector John McDonald led negotiations with Darren Mace who had filled his Slough home with gas and threatened to ignite it with a blow torch.

The brave officer convinced Mace to open a window to let out some of the gas - but then ran for cover when the intoxicated 37-year-old lit a cigarette.

Judge Peter Ross said it was 'amazing' the gas had not ignited.

Mace, of Parsons Road, Langley, pleaded guilty to one count of ABH and one of making threats to damage property. He was jailed for 26 months at Reading Crown Court on Friday.

Judge Ross added: "In my view Insp McDonald showed a considerable degree of courage and leadership that day. It was he who went into the flat, he didn't send one of his officers.

"He showed not just considerable bravery but he also dealt with it extremely professionally and cooly."

Insp McDonald, 47, received a commendation at the Slough LPA awards in November.