A 21-year-old man, Both Douk Deng, has been sentenced to two years in prison after admitting to bringing a hammer, hatchet, and kitchen knife to a school in Greater Manchester. Deng, a national of South Sudan whose asylum claims have been repeatedly refused, told the court his actions were driven by frustration over his immigration status and a desire to attract attention to his plight, rather than any intent to harm individuals.
Incident Details and Arrest
The court heard that on August 6 of the previous year, Deng was observed behaving unusually near Edgar Wood Academy in Heywood. A concerned member of the public alerted authorities after seeing him carrying a petrol can and with a hammer attached to his belt. Deng was seen walking around the school premises, which were closed for summer holidays, while mumbling and examining the building. Builders working on-site became alarmed by his behaviour and contacted the police. Deng was apprehended as he was walking away from the school grounds. Upon his detention, officers discovered he was carrying a hammer, a hatchet, a seven-inch kitchen knife, and a jerry can containing approximately half a litre of petrol.
The day prior to this incident, Deng was also noted acting suspiciously at another educational establishment, Holy Family RC and CE College in Rochdale. During this earlier event, he damaged the school’s intercom by kicking it.
