Defendant claimed to be messenger from God

Police believe a man who admitted possessing a knife could '˜pose a risk to the public' if he continues to consume alcohol.
Court.Court.
Court.

Christopher Woods was arrested earlier this week for breaching his bail conditions.

The 52-years-old, of Glendermott Road, pleaded guilty to possessing an article with a blade on February 26.

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Sentencing has been adjourned for a Probation Pre-Sentence Report to be compiled.

At an earlier hearing, Derry Magistrate’s Court heard Woods was found by police walking along the Glendermott Road with blood on his clothes. He was carrying an eight inch knife in his hand and raised it above his head ‘making stabbing and slashing gestures.’

The defendant was arrested and claimed he was ‘a messenger from God and demons were coming to kill him.’

Opposing bail, an investigating officer said police had concerns Woods will commit further offences.

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She said the defendant has addiction and mental health issues and police believe he may pose a risk to the public if he continues to drink.

Defence solicitor, Paddy MacDermott, said Woods began drinking again because he claimed his mother told him his bail conditions had been withdrawn.

District Judge Barney McElholm questioned if it was safe to release Woods if he is ‘fantasising that his mother is telling him his bail conditions have been removed.’

The judge agreed to release Woods on the same terms and conditions of bail.

He warned the defendant if he breaches bail again he will be remanded in custody as ‘police have better things to do than tidy up after Mr Woods’.