Tyrone man held a knife to his throat during incident, court told

THE Police Federation (PFNI) has commended the officers who calmly talked a man holding a knife to his own throat into disarming himself during a stand-off.

On encountering  John Paul Morrow, 32, from Derry Road, Coalisland, officers quickly ascertained he was suffering a serious mental health episode.

He appeared before Dungannon Magistrates Court charged with possessing knives and knuckledusters, and while a police officer confirmed both matters could be connected, expressed concerns for his welfare.

It was explained at 5.15pm on April 20, 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 noted he was wearing gloves with metal studs over the knuckle areas.

Morrow fully 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 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 contacted members of Morrow’s family to try to get a potential address to be  released on bail.

However, they refused 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 defendants own safety.

“We have established he attempted to self-harm last month and has 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 underwent further 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.

Adjourning the case until next month, the judge urged Morrow to ensure he obtains the services of a solicitor to assist, going forward.

Following the hearing, a PFNI spokesperson ‘applauded the sensible, measured and professional actions of officers’.

They continued: “This was a delicate situation that called for skill and patience and it is heartening that the approach taken by our colleagues was successful.

“Only last month, the PFNI held its Bravery and Excellence Awards when we recognised the outstanding work of a total of 28 colleagues in saving lives, helping the vulnerable and combating crime.

“Day after day, our men and women intervene to protect communities and this latest example, which was set out in open court, once again illustrates the lengths officers are prepared to go to secure the best possible outcome.”

In contrast, when asked if the Chief Constable wished to comment, a PSNI spokesperson expressed thanks for ‘the opportunity to highlight some excellent police work’.

They added: “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.”