An individual described as “attention seeking” has been sentenced to two years in prison for showing up at a school armed with a hammer, a hatchet, and a kitchen knife. Both Douk Deng, a 21-year-old South Sudanese national, was apprehended by workers at Edgar Wood Academy in Heywood, Greater Manchester, on August 6 last year.
Prior to his arrest, a member of the public alerted authorities about Deng’s suspicious behavior as he made his way to the school carrying a petrol can and a hammer. Deng was observed circling the closed school, muttering to himself, before builders on site became alarmed and contacted the police.
CCTV footage released by Greater Manchester Police captured Deng causing damage on the school premises and engaging aggressively with workers. He was eventually restrained by law enforcement officers after a brief struggle.
During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Deng, an asylum seeker, felt neglected by immigration authorities regarding his status in the UK, leading him to seek attention through his actions. Along with the hammer and hatchet, he was found in possession of a kitchen knife and a jerry can containing petrol.
Despite claims that his actions were not intended to harm anyone, Deng pleaded guilty to various offenses including criminal damage and weapons possession on school grounds. He was sentenced to two years in prison, with a requirement to serve half of the term in custody and the remainder on license.
Judge Bernadette Baxter emphasized the need for authorities to address Deng’s situation as a failed asylum seeker. Investigations by Rochdale CID found no clear motive behind Deng’s actions, and police commended their swift response to the incident.
Chief Superintendent Helen Caldbeck praised the officers for their professional handling of the situation, ensuring public safety during a potentially dangerous encounter.
