A County Tyrone man has appeared in court after officers intercepted him armed with weapons while on his way to the home of a male he claimed had “destroyed many lives”.
However there was something of a stand-off while police engaged with John Paul Morrow (32) from Derry Road, Coalisland when it became clear he was suffering a serious mental health episode.
Despite bringing commendable conduct of officers to the attention of the Chief Constable for comment, the opportunity was declined.
Morrow is charged with possessing knives and knuckledusters with intent to commit an offence.
A police officer told a special sitting of Dungannon Magistrates Court the charges could be connected.
He explained at 5.15pm on 20 April police responded to a report that Morrow was traveling along a road in Cookstown carrying weapons and making his way to a named individual’s address.
Officers observed him seated at the roadside talking to a member of the public.
On seeing the police vehicle, Morrow stood up, produced a large kitchen knife and held it to his throat.
He climbed over a nearby gate into a field, still holding the blade to his throat.
It was at this point officers observed Morrow was wearing gloves with metal studs over the knuckle areas.
He identified himself and stated he was “out to get (named individual) as he had destroyed many lives”, before producing a smaller knife, which he also held against himself.
Officers talked gently with Morrow, helping him remain calm, while he stated he wanted to harm himself but also wanted help.
After negotiations police eventually convinced him to set down the knives and come back to the gate, where the gloves were also taken from him.
He was arrested and taken to Craigavon Area Hospital for assessment and treatment given his mental health presentation, then released back into police custody.
Meanwhile officers made contact with a number of Morrow’s family members for a potential address to be released on bail however they refused to have him at present due to concerns over his behaviour which has escalated over recent weeks.
The officer said: “There is currently no suitable address and we are concerned of further offending and the risk to the defendant’s own safety.
“We have established he attempted to self-harm last month and made similar statements of intent during this incident.
“He was also going to essentially sort out this other individual while armed. This was not helped by the defendant’s state of mind and it would be beneficial if he could undergo another assessment.”
Representing himself, Morrow asked to be released on bail to reside with his ex-girlfriend in Dungannon.
However District Judge Michael Ranaghan refused on the basis of risk of reoffending and Morrow’s own safety.
He also urged Morrow to ensure he obtains the services of a solicitor for the next hearing which will be by video-link next month.
Following the hearing the PSNI were asked if the Chief Constable wished to comment on the officers actions in very difficult circumstances.
A spokesperson expressed thanks for “the opportunity to highlight some excellent police work. Unfortunately we are limited in the comment we can provide while legal proceedings are ongoing. As such we have nothing to add to the information provided in court”.
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