A FORMER town councillor at the centre of a 35-hour siege will not face charges.

The incident happened at the home of Maurice Kellett, 60, in Colliery Lane, Hetton-le-Hole, near Sunderland, in early February, when bailiffs tried to repossess it.

Police said Mr Kellett said he had doused himself in petrol and threatened to harm himself with a samurai sword if officers forced their way in.

The siege ended peacefully after police used battering rams to break down the door.

Mr Kellett, who suffers from diabetes, heart problems, arthritis and high blood pressure, later had to be admitted to Sunderland Royal Hospital when his health deteriorated.

He was bailed to re-appear at Washington police station yesterday.

A spokesman for Northumbria Police said: "A file of evidence was prepared and submitted to the Crown Prosecu- tion Service and, as a result, no further action will be taken.''

Mr Kellett, a former member of Hetton Town Council, is believed to be staying at the home of his brother, Bill, a member of Durham City Council.