Man Imprisoned for Crossbow Attack Following Pursuit of Victim

A man has been sentenced to four and a half years in prison for pursuing a victim and firing a crossbow at him. Keiron Miller, 26, targeted TeeJay Caton in Barry, Vale of Glamorgan, after Mr. Caton had requested security to remove Miller from a pub they were both frequenting. Cardiff Crown Court heard details of “previous issues” between the two individuals. Miller initially chased Mr. Caton on foot down a street before entering a car to continue following him. Miller received a four-and-a-half-year custodial sentence after admitting to attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent, along with a concurrent 16-month sentence for possession of an offensive weapon. Judge Paul Hobson stated that the 26-year-old made a deliberate choice to “hunt him down” and shoot at his victim. On 15 June 2024, Miller and Mr. Caton were present at a pub in Barry town centre. Upon spotting Miller, the victim spoke to security about having him removed due to a prior disagreement between them. However, when Mr. Caton left the pub at midnight with his friend, he observed a male shouting and advancing towards them while aiming a crossbow. The pair fled in the direction of Broad Street and took refuge by a closed shop on Island Road. It was then that they noticed a white Audi A3 pull up, with Miller inside. The court was informed that Miller leaned over the driver and discharged the crossbow in Mr. Caton’s direction as he stood in the street. Prosecutor Byron Broadstock stated that the arrow missed Mr. Caton only because his friend shouted at him, prompting him to move. After police were contacted, the defendant was pursued into a playing field, where officers conducting a search discovered a hidden hammer, crossbow, and four arrows. Defence barrister Hilary Roberts explained that Miller had a “prolonged background” with the victim and was “under the influence of drink and drugs” at the time, which the defendant believes resulted in a “complete lack of judgement.” She added that Miller recognized his actions were “utterly wrong” and has since sought help for substance abuse while incarcerated. During sentencing, Judge Hobson commented that, had the arrow struck the victim, “the result could have been catastrophic.” He described the notion of someone feeling comfortable using a crossbow as a weapon as “deeply troubling” and noted a “significant degree of premeditation,” with Miller “pursuing the victim first on foot and then in a vehicle.” Judge Hobson stated: “This was clearly an act of revenge, relating to the grievance that you have and took place brazenly in the street where other people could have been caught up in the incident.” He further added that it was “purely a matter of chance” that no harm was inflicted.