Christmas church service disrupted by man demanding food, money

Monday 30 December 2019

Police had to attend a family church service on Christmas Eve this year, because a man suddenly came in demanding food, money and to see a psychologist.

The 33-year-old, who has not yet entered a plea, was said to have been angry when he turned up at Trinity Church.

Police were called, but the defendant told the officers not to go near him. He pulled out a needle which he stabbed in his own hand and then waved at the officers.

He was restrained using pava spray and taken to the police station, but he said chose to not comment on what had happened during his interview.

Now, the defendant has been charged with one count of disorderly behaviour and two of assaulting police officers, and was remanded in custody. 

During a search, two things were confiscated from him, one of which is suspected to be cannabis, and will be analysed before his next appearance in court.

The defendant refused help from the duty advocate and decided to represent himself on his first appearance on Friday. He has been remanded in custody until 13 January.

Pictured top: Police were called when the man entered a church service demanding food and money.