Both Douk Deng, a failed asylum seeker, was jailed for two years after taking a hammer, hatchet and kitchen knife to a school in Heywood. The 21-year-old South Sudanese national wanted to 'create a scene for attention' to aid his cause, Manchester's Minshull Street Crown Court heard on Tuesday, July 28.
Incident at Edgar Wood Academy
Deng was arrested on August 6 last year after workmen confronted him at Edgar Wood Academy, which was closed to pupils for the summer. A member of the public had earlier reported Deng 'behaving oddly' in the street while carrying a petrol can with a hammer tied to his belt.
Deng walked a 'full circuit' around the school, scanned the building and approached it before builders called the police. He was walking away when detained. Along with the hammer and hatchet, he had a seven-inch kitchen knife and a jerry can containing half a litre of petrol.
The day before, he was seen 'acting oddly' at another closed school, Holy Family RC and CE College in Rochdale, where he kicked and damaged its intercom.
Defence and background
Sara Haque, defending, said Deng's actions were not motivated by intent to harm anyone but were a 'bizarre and compulsive act' during deep distress after leaving Sudan. He wanted attention and was in crisis, with no hostility towards children, teachers or the public.
Deng, who has a wife and children, lived in multiple accommodation housing (HMO) on arrival. He had limited English, could not work due to immigration status, and felt no one was listening or helping him. He became frustrated that others in similar circumstances received assistance from immigration authorities.
Psychiatric reports did not identify major mental health issues.
Sentence and judge's comments
Deng, of Taylor Street, Heywood, pleaded guilty to criminal damage and possessing weapons and a knife in a public place and on school premises. He was jailed for two years, to serve up to half in custody and the remainder on licence.
Judge Bernadette Baxter told him she had no power to order the Home Office to do anything but said given his circumstances as a failed asylum seeker who has been in custody for nearly a year, the Home Office should deal with his status.
Chief Superintendent Helen Caldbeck, District Commander for Rochdale, praised officers' response, saying they were professional and brave. She noted that although no clear motive was found, swift justice was served.
