An asylum seeker accused of walking into an Armagh chip shop armed with two large knives, moments after allegedly setting fire to his house has denied a number of offences against him.
Mohamed Abdikani Ali – a Somali national – appeared before Newry Crown Court on Tuesday accused of two counts of arson, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, criminal damage, and possession of an offensive weapon – namely two knives – with intent.
The 19-year-old admitted to the assault and criminal damage charges but denied the two counts of arson and possession of an offensive weapon.
Ali’s defence counsel told the court that they are awaiting a report from the NIFRS before they make a decision as to whether or not they instruct an expert on the fire.
A trial date of June 16 has been set with a review to take place on May 8.
Detective Constable Riordan, during a precious court sitting, explained that at approximately 6.30pm on Tuesday, October 29, police received a report of a male with knives in the Galley Chip Shop on Barrack Street in Armagh.
Police attended and saw a man inside the premises holding a large knife in each hand.
Police engaged him and requested that he put the knives down, however, he refused and further armed himself with a fire extinguisher, which he used to cause damage to a large fridge.
There was a number of staff inside at the time who were able to escape through a rear exit.
DC Riordan said Ali continued to act aggressively, shouting and gesticulating to police and refusing to disarm himself.
“He then stood with his arms out asking the police to shoot him,” said the officer.
Police were able to open the door slightly and deploy CS spray in an attempt to gain control of Ali, and were subsequently able to enter the premises and apprehend him.
Whilst at the scene, police were informed that the suspect had assaulted a male customer who had been in the premises waiting for his food.
CCTV appears to show the victim sitting down waiting for his food when Ali comes in with a backpack and takes out two knives.
He starts shooting before attacking the man as he’s sat down, hitting him over the head with the butt of the knife, causing a cut to his head.
Ali reportedly caused approximately £5,000 worth of damage.
While police were dealing with this incident, a call came over the radio about a house fire in Rosemount Park, a short distance away.
It transpired that Ali was living at this house and he allegedly admitted to police about lighting the fire which “completely gutted” the property.
“The residents next door are an elderly couple in their 70’s; they had to be evacuated, and there’s been smoke damage to to their property,” said the officer.
The court heard how Ali had been living at the address, provided to him by the Southern Trust, for two weeks. He was the sole occupant.
