Buddhist monk upset after treading on an insect jailed for resulting 162-car tyre-slashing spree

A Buddhist monk who lives in a wood went on a tyre-slashing rampage because he had stepped on an insect. Julian Glew, 45, became angry and upset because of his religious beliefs after accidentally standing on the insect. He took out his frustration by piercing the wheels of 162 cars parked in various streets in Pocklington in the East Riding of Yorkshire over several days last September, Beverley Magistrates Court heard. Glew, who has lived in a tent in woods for nearly a decade, was arrested several days later following a CCTV appeal by Humberside Police. He was sentenced to 11 weeks in prison when he appeared at court on wednesday via a video link from Hull Prison.



District Judge Fred Rutherford said: “When interviewed by police he said he was angry and wanted to take his frustration out on society without hurting people. He lives in the woods and is detached from society. He has lived that existence for 20 years and previously lived in a Buddhist monastery.” Glew pleaded guilty to three counts of criminal damage last September. He was originally due to be sentenced on October 14, but failed to attend court. Instead, he went on the run from police for three months and was eventually arrested by officers in West Yorkshire earlier this month. In mitigation, Joanne Markham said Glew had suffered some mental health issues in the past.

Miss Markham explained accommodation had been found for him at a hostel in west Hull, following his first court appearance, but it “didn’t work for him because of how he was used to living”. Miss Markham said: “He has indicated that he feels he should go to prison for what he has done. He has no previous incidents on his record and he lives without means, not claiming any benefits.” Mr Glew pleaded guilty to three counts of criminal damage and failing to surrender. Sentencing him to 11 weeks in prison, Judge Rutherford said: “I have noted the facts of this case, but I am still left here with someone who says he did not want to hurt anyone but went out of his way to affect 162 people by causing them massive financial inconvenience.


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“He targeted vehicles randomly and slashed the tyres, that is not the actions of a person who lives for a peaceful co-existence.” Inspector Joanne York, of Humberside Police, welcomed the sentence. She said: "Sentencing Julian Glew to 11 weeks in custody is good news for the residents of Pocklington and justice has been seen to be done. Vehicles were damaged over two nights in Pocklington in September 2015 which caused widespread upset and concern to the residents of Pocklington at the time. The incidents caused great inconvenience and financial loss to all those victims. Following his initial arrest in September he was bailed to appear in court but failed to attend and spent several weeks avoiding arrest. Mr Glew had left the Pocklington area after he failed to appear at court. I am very grateful to the people of Pocklington for their assistance and their support while we have carried out our investigations."