Bedford Borough Council speaker denies making threats to kill

Council speaker denies making threats to kill Image source, Bedford Borough Liberal Democrats/Facebook Image caption, Tim Caswell has been the councillor for Goldington since the 2019 local elections Published 26 October 2026, 10:14 GMT Updated 2 hours ago The speaker of Bedford Borough Council has denied making threats to kill and possessing an offensive weapon. Tim Caswell was arrested by armed officers after Bedfordshire Police was called to Crispin Drive shortly before 19:15 BST on Friday over concerns for welfare. The 66-year-old, who lives on the street, pleaded not guilty to the two charges at Luton Magistrates' Court, as well as denying a third charge of making threats to damage or destroy property. He was remanded into custody pending a pre-trial hearing on 27 November. Caswell was the Liberal Democrat councillor for the Goldington Ward, having been elected in 2019, and was elected speaker of the council in May. A spokesperson for Bedford Borough Liberal Democrats said he had been suspended from the party since the arrest, meaning he now sits as an independent. "This is a police investigation and it would not be appropriate to comment at this time," the spokesperson added. Do you have a story suggestion for Beds, Herts or Bucks? Contact us below. Get in touch Your Voice Contact form Contact form Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds , Facebook , external , Instagram , external and X , external . Related topics Bedford Borough Council Bedford Related internet links HM Courts & Tribunals Service