A man who lunged at motorists with a kitchen knife told police officers he would sell his soul to Satan in return for their deaths, a court heard yesterday. Ian Braniff (25) said it was “Lucifer’s will” after being chased and caught in north Belfast.
Braniff, Glenbank Place, Belfast, received a suspended five-month jail sentence after admitting possession of a blade in public, disorderly behaviour, criminal damage and assault on police. Braniff was seen carrying a knife on Limestone Road on March 3rd, making slashing motions at motorists who swerved or braked to avoid him, Belfast Magistrates Court was told.
Two PSNI officers pursued and detained him. By that stage he had dropped the knife.
Braniff, who has a history of cannabis abuse and behavioural problems, claimed to have little memory of the incident. He was also ordered to pay £100 compensation to an officer he assaulted.