'No true bill' returned on English

A "no true bill" was returned by the Bedford County grand jury earlier this week against a Shelbyville attorney who had been accused of pointing a firearm at two clients.

Alfred English had been accused of pointing a small silver handgun at Joshua and Linda Hendon at the office of English & English, North Brittain Street, on Feb. 12.

A "no true bill" means that jurors have decided there is not probable cause to support the charges, or that the charges should not be pursued.

According to English's attorney, Kelly Wilson, English testified in his own defense before the grand jury.

"We are grateful the jury saw our side of the story," he said.

Wilson added that a suspect testifying before a grand jury is "unusual" and isn't something that happens every day.

"We are very pleased with the outcome of this case," Wilson added.

The police report concerning the incident stated that Mrs. Hendon called 911 from her cell phone while at the law firm and that the disagreement occurred over a civil matter. Joshua Hendon told police he had been to English's office "on more than one occasion" trying to obtain a check to him from Erie Insurance.

The check in question was in the amount of $4,050 and was made out to Joshua Hendon and his ex-wife, Bridgette.

The police report said that Mr. Hendon told English that he would sign the check. English put the check on the desk along with a pen, the report says, and Mr. Hendon then took the check and put it in his pocket.

"Mr. English tried to get the check back," the police report stated. The check did have a small tear, the report said, and English stated that the check was owed to J.R. Warren for the removal of a burned-out trailer.

The report claims that Mr. and Mrs. Hendon stated when they tried to leave the office, "that the lady (Patricia English) blocked the doorway."

"When they looked back Mr. England pointed a small silver handgun at them. That is when Mr. Hendon asked his wife to call the police," the report said.

The report said that Patricia English stated she was standing in the doorway as the Hendons were leaving.

As the responding officer arrived at the law office, the report states that the Hendons had just come out of the office and then Mr. English came out.

"Mr. English was very upset that Mr. Hendon had taken the check and wanted it back," the report reads. "Mr. English first stated he didn't bring the gun out of the office. He later stated he did not have a gun."

The report stated that employee Adria Sharp told officers Mr. English had the gun in his pocket and employee Patricia English stated Mr. English had the gun out but did not point it at the Hendons.