Sword killer sparks weapons call

Boyer shot his victim with a crossbow

A judge has raised concerns about the sale of dangerous weapons after a man killed a neighbour with a crossbow and a sword he bought by mail order.

Robert Boyer was detained in hospital indefinitely after killing Keith Frogson in Annesley Woodhouse, Notts.

Boyer, 43, diagnosed as suffering from a delusional mental illness, admitted attacking Mr Frogson last July.

Sentencing Boyer on Tuesday, Judge Mr Justice Bean called for tighter laws to govern the sale of similar weapons.

He said: "I must record my concern that it is possible for a crossbow and a ninja sword, both of which being weapons which you used in this crime, can be bought by mail order without any licence being required and without a proper record of who bought them.

"I respectfully suggest that this is a matter which the home secretary may wish to consider if legislation is to be introduced in this session of parliament concerning knives and offensive weapons."

Mr Frogson was attacked outside his home

Boyer from Skegby Road in the village, pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to manslaughter and arson in relation to a subsequent fire at Mr Frogson's home.

Following the street attack, Boyer fled to a hideout he had prepared in readiness by a golf course in Sherwood Forest.

Andrew Easteal, prosecuting, told Nottingham Crown Court that Boyer became fixated with Mr Frogson and was convinced he was trying to dismantle his house and damage his property.

He ordered the weapons, for less than £150, and then watched violent films such as Kill Bill and Blade to learn how to use them.

Boyer, wearing a balaclava, waited in an alleyway outside Mr Frogson's home before shooting him with a crossbow and attacking him with the swords following a row in a pub.

I fully endorse the judge's comments around the use of swords and crossbows Wayne Frogson, victim's son

Mr Frogson, a popular National Union of Mineworkers activist, was left with 30 injuries across his body, including many to his hands and arms as he desperately tried to defend himself, the court heard.

Outside court Mr Frogson's three children released a statement.

Wayne Frogson said: "He is a cowardly and ruthless killer.

"While no sentence can make up for losing dad we can draw strength from the fact that Robert Boyer no longer poses a threat to the community.

"I fully endorse the judge's comments around the use of swords and crossbows."

The court was told there were no previous indicators that Boyer was capable of killing, or revealed the extent of his mental illness.

Boyer's retreat to a foxhole on Hollinwell Golf Course sparked one of the biggest manhunts in the history of Nottinghamshire Police.

Despite the search he had returned to his village twice, once to set fire to Mr Frogson's home and once to visit takeaways for food.