That’s how SomersetLive summed up the performance of Louie Hennessey in Bath’s Champions Cup semi-final defeat to Bordeaux Begles on Sunday. The Gallagher Prem champions fell short of a European final, beaten by the reigning Champions Cup holders.
Johann van Graan’s side will have their gripes about how they exited the competition at this stage, with the officials certainly part of that.
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That will likely hurt for some time.
Once that subsides, Bath will start to pick out the positives from the performance at Stade Atlantique Bordeaux Metropole.
Watching from afar, Steve Tandy won’t have the same emotional journey to go on.
Instead, he’ll just be pleased with how the 22-year-old centre went in the biggest match of his career to date.
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The semi-final in France was Hennessey’s first start in European rugby.
Before then, the former Llanishen High School pupil had mustered just 19 minutes of action across two pool stage matches.
Six minutes against Benetton last season, then 13 minutes away to Toulon earlier in this campaign.
The latter was still enough to score a lovely try at the Stade Mayol, scything through the French side’s defence after hitting Max Ojomoh’s short ball at pace.
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There was a similar line in the first half, only from a pass from Ollie Lawrence, which saw Hennessey burst through Maxime Lucu’s tackle and threaten to round French flyer Louis Bielle-Biarrey.
Then, in the second half, he stepped through a tackle and reached over to score.
For a man who has played just 723 minutes in the Gallagher Prem – although he has crossed for six tries in 13 outings – it was a performance that belied his relative lack of experience.
Watching on, Tandy wouldn’t have been surprised.
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The Wales coach has had Hennessey in his first two Wales squads, with the Bath midfielder finally making his debut against Ireland in this year’s Six Nations.
That was only a brief 11-minute cameo. But it’s clear what Hennessey can bring to Wales’ game.
“He’s a big athletic young man,” said Tandy earlier this year. “Nothing fazes him.
“What impressed me, and I know I always go back to some club games, but I’ve spoken to Johann van Graan about him a lot. I remember he had a start up in Leicester and it didn’t faze him and I thought he was outstanding, his work rate.
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“A lot of young guys in the game now are quiet, but Louie has got animation. He’s got a confidence the way he speaks around D set.
“He’s got that about him and he drives himself to be perfect. You can see the frustration from Louie when he trains.
“He wants to be the best all the time and he’s got an amazing attitude. He was unfortunate. He had a bump on his hand coming into the campaign so that held him back a little bit.
“But the way he’s gone about his rehab to get back into this position… he was brilliant for us in the autumn without getting an opportunity. But it’s something he’s thoroughly deserved and I think he’s going to have a huge future for us going forward.”
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Wales ended the Six Nations with a relatively settled midfield pairing of Joe Hawkins and Eddie James.
There is, let’s not forget, also Max Llewellyn to come back in after injury.
However, when you see a talent like Hennessey impress on the biggest stage – as he did at the first time of asking on Sunday – it surely can’t be long until he is knocking at the door for a Test start.
With matches against Fiji, Argentina and South Africa to come this summer, July could be just the perfect opportunity.
Copmanthorpe used to dance round the maypole in the community orchard in Low Green every year during its May Day Street Fair.
Acorn Morris dancers at Copmanthorpe May Day Street Fair (Image: Newsquest)
But a lack of volunteers and Covid restrictions meant that for some years the fair has not taken place.
Now the organisers of Copmanthorpe Carnival have revived the May Day Street Fair and hundreds of all ages flocked to enjoy traditional and modern music and dance.
Maypole dancing at Copmanthorpe May Day Street Fair (Image: Newsquest)
“It’s a great success,” said Copmanthorpe resident Nigel Brown. “Let’s hope it keeps going. Once you resurrect something and it’s successful, you’ve got to keep going. I hope it will be back next year.”
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Families and residents of all ages filled Low Green and some joined in as Acorn Morris Dancers gave lessons on morris dancing before performing themselves.
Copmanthorpe Village Choir then took up the May welcoming baton and sang traditional May folk songs as well as more modern classics before Spark – girl singers Tilly and Beau and boy keyboard/singer Daniel – thrilled the crowd with hits from modern musicals and Abba classics.
Then the crowd moved to the site of the community orchard for the highlight of the MayDay celebration.
The May Queen Lucy Taylor at Copmanthorpe May Day Street Fair (Image: Newsquest)
May Queen Lucy Taylor said: “My job is to build a maypole and that I have done. All I need now is 16 dancers.”
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Children ran to take the coloured ribbons and she guided her recruits through basic maypole dancing moves.
Alan Murray of Copmanthorpe Carnival said the event used to be run by St Giles Church, Copmanthorpe, but a lack of volunteers and Covid restrictions meant it stopped being held.
So the carnival organisation took it over and hope to interest more young people in getting involved particularly through the May Day traditions.
“It’s been absolutely amazing,” he said as he looked at the crowds visiting stalls laid out along the street and enjoying the entertainment. “The community has come out to support it.”
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Copmanthorpe Primary School opened its playground to house a Kids Area with a bouncy castle and other children-orientated activities which proved a big attraction.
York City and District Society of Model Engineers provided a miniature steam train with track which was in constant demand throughout the event.
The miniature steam railway in action at Copmanthorpe May Day Street Fair (Image: Newsquest)
The hot dog stall was so popular it sold out within an hour.
Stalls were manned by local organisations including local scouts and guides, ABC Gardening Club and St Leonard’s Hospice and there was an art exhibition and child art activities.
Kerry Katona has celebrated the one-year anniversary of her relationship with Paolo Margaglione by getting a new tattoo that pays tribute to her Italian partner
Kerry Katona has celebrated the one-year anniversary of her relationship with Paolo Margaglione by getting a new tattoo. The former Atomic Kitten singer, 45, met Italian fitness instructor Paolo, 33, in early 2025 when they filmed Celebs Go Dating together.
She wrote on Instagram: “Felt like getting a tattoo!! @paolomargaglione1 I love you [red heart emoji] my gift to Paolo on our anniversary.” Alongside the post. Kerry shared an image of her new body art, which was of the words Ti Amo, which is Italian for ‘I love you’ inked onto her forearm.
Paolo clearly approved of the tribute, as he wrote on the comments section: “It’s very beautiful, just like you. Mi Amore” The star, who has a further 15 tattoos, was inundated with comments from fans who also praised her new ink. One fan wrote: “U both are so amazing to each other. Siete meravigliosi.”
A second fan said: “Looks amazing Kerry!!!” whilst a third wrote: “What a lovely gesture, Kerry,” and a fourth suggested: “Beautiful with some flowers around it too xx”
Kerry and Paolo are marking the occasion with a glitzy trip to the races but the showbiz legend previously dismissed those who thought that their romance was just something that came about quickly on TV.
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Speaking in her new! magazine column, she said: “It’s our anniversary this week. We’re going to Chester Races on Thursday, and the funny thing is I went the Races last year on the 9th and we had our first date on the 8th.
“And then this year we’re going to the Races together the day before our anniversary because I’m working all weekend. It might look like we fell in love quickly on TV but we saw each other a hell of a lot off camera. It feels like 12 years.
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“People think it’s all romantic and it’s all rainbows and it isn’t. It’s real life. It’s just a relationship that you’ve got to work at, but it’s a relationship we’ll want forever
Meanwhile, Kerry and Paolo previously opened up about their romance – and their plans to get married.
Kerry shared: “We will 100 per cent get married,” with Paolo adding: “I’m not just doing it for the sake of doing it. We’re trying to build something really special together, so I want it to be the right moment.”
However, with their romance, there was one boundary Kerry did have – she didn’t want to make a public declaration of love on Celebs Go Dating, despite pleas from the production team.
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“They were so adamant for me to say it on camera to him. I said, ‘Listen, you guys have taught me to protect my boundaries and this is my boundary. I do love Paolo, but I’m not going to say that on camera because that’s just for me and him, because I’m deadly serious about him. I’m giving my all to him and I wanna keep that just for me and him,’” she said.
Kerry insisted she wouldn’t let any “outside noise” bother them. She shared: “It’s outside noise more than anything. But the good thing is, when there’s outside noise, we support each other and deal with it together.”
Multiple people have been injured after a driver plowed into a crowd in the centre of the eastern German city of Leipzig on Monday, local broadcaster MDR reported, citing police.
A driver has been arrested, Saxony Police said, after Leipzig police confirmed to Reuters that there were injuries from a car but could not give more details. Local media has reported two deaths from the incident; these reports remain unconfirmed.
A damaged Volkswagen SUV with a person on top of the vehicle was seen speeding through a pedestrian zone, local broadcaster Radio Leipzig reported.
The broadcaster cited eyewitnesses as saying there were several bodies reportedly covered with sheets as well as a stabbing.
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Saxony Police said on social media that a police operation was taking place in central Leipzig, asking citizens to keep emergency routes clear and follow the instructions of the emergency services on site.
“A car struck several people in Grimmaische Straße and fled. The driver has been apprehended, and there is currently no further danger emanating from him. We will continue to provide updates.”
Arsenal are on the verge of historic success but the Gunners must still address clear squad weaknesses this summer to stay ahead of the chasing pack next season
This summer presents Arsenal with the opportunity to not only reflect on an incredibly successful season but to also make decisive changes as they prepare for the next campaign. Mikel Arteta‘s side are just five matches away from potentially claiming a historic league and European cup double.
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The Gunners sit six points clear at the top of the Premier League table ahead of Manchester City, who have two games in hand, with only three fixtures remaining for Arsenal themselves.
They are also on the verge of their first Champions League final appearance since 2006 ahead of Tuesday night’s second-leg clash with Atletico Madrid, having secured a 1-1 draw in Spain in the first-leg.
But despite Arsenal’s excellence on the pitch this term, there have been clear weaknesses and aspects which require improvement. Here, Mirror Football examines who the Gunners should keep or part ways with from their current squad as they look to build on their progress next season.
David Raya – Keep. Raya has established himself as not just one of the Premier League’s but Europe’s most dependable goalkeepers this season. The Spaniard is usually faultless with his distribution and produces crucial saves whenever called upon. Raya is set to collect a third consecutive Premier League Golden Glove.
Kepa Arrizabalaga – Keep. Kepa’s game time since his move to Arsenal last summer has been restricted to domestic cup matches. He mainly proved reliable between the sticks in those appearances, though his costly error in the Carabao Cup final undoubtedly stands out as a major blunder. Even so, should the Spaniard be happy serving as understudy to his compatriot, Arsenal should retain the former Chelsea goalkeeper, considering how rare experienced and reliable goalkeepers are in the modern game.
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Tommy Setford – Keep. The 20-year-old Dutchman’s only outing this campaign came in the FA Cup clash against Wigan in February, when he replaced Kepa. Given his youth and potential, Arteta should hang onto the youngster and see how he develops while learning directly from two Premier League veterans.
In defence
Jurrien Timber – Keep. Timber’s recent injury problems shouldn’t overshadow just how impressive he was earlier this season, especially before Christmas, when he was regularly hailed as one of the league’s finest full-backs. Frighteningly, he is still just 24 with room to improve. The only danger is Arteta overplaying the Netherlands international, which leads neatly to the next player…
Ben White – Sell. White has been an outstanding servant since arriving for £50million in 2021, fully justifying that controversial fee. However, it has become increasingly apparent that the England international’s peak years are behind him following a succession of injuries. The 28-year-old, once among Arteta’s most relied-upon players, has appeared sluggish since returning from his latest setback, and Arteta should explore the market for a replacement capable of sharing the workload with Timber without any dip in quality.
Cristhian Mosquera – Keep. It is extraordinary how quickly the 21-year-old centre-back has adapted to English football. Having recently earned his first Spain cap, he stands as one of Arsenal’s most astute signings in recent memory, snapped up for just £13m last summer. For the time being, he offers superb cover at both centre-back and right-back. Whether he will remain content in a supporting role over the coming seasons is yet to be seen, though his current trajectory suggests he could command a hefty transfer fee.
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William Saliba – Keep. Saliba has arguably been the best central defender on the planet for three years running, making him an indispensable figure in the current Arsenal side. The Frenchman, frequently likened to a Rolls Royce for his effortless defensive ability and composure in possession, recently put pen to paper on a deal until 2030, and is expected to remain at the Emirates for the foreseeable future.
Gabriel Magalhaes – Keep. Gabriel started this campaign as arguably Arsenal’s standout performer, playing a pivotal role in the side that went several matches without allowing even a shot on target, while scoring slam-dunk-like headers from corners at the other end. At 28 years old, he still has plenty of years remaining at the highest level. And while his performances have plateaued since January, the Brazilian remains one of the first names on the team sheet.
Marli Salmon – Keep. The 16-year-old wonderkid has featured on a handful of occasions this term. While his costly mistake against Mansfield Town showed he is still raw, he is seen as the best defender produced by the academy since Ashley Cole, meaning he is expected to be handed more playing time next season.
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Riccardo Calafiori – Keep. Calafiori, when fit, is among the best players in the world in his position. That was clear once more at the weekend against Fulham, where the Italian could have comfortably netted twice despite playing at left-back. The only concern surrounding Calafiori is his extensive injury record, but his talent means he is important for Arsenal to move on, for now.
Piero Hincapie – Buy. For a player whose arrival left many Arsenal supporters scratching their heads at the start of the season, the Bayer Leverkusen loanee has produced an outstanding maiden season in north London. The Ecuadorian has won over both Arteta and the fanbase with his no-nonsense defending and tireless effort. The 24-year-old arrived on loan with an option to buy for approximately £45m, and Arsenal are fully expected to activate the five-year clause to secure his services permanently this summer.
In midfield
Declan Rice – Keep. Arguably the Premier League’s standout performer this season. The chant, “Declan Rice, we got him half price”, continues to resonate despite him being the Gunners’ record signing. Rice, 27, has been dominant throughout the campaign, whether operating as an ‘eight’ or as a ‘six’, stifling opposition attacks with ease and fully embracing his responsibilities as a dressing room leader.
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Martin Zubimendi – Keep. The Spaniard was perhaps misunderstood by supporters and possibly even Arteta when he arrived last summer. Many expected him to be Arsenal’s equivalent to Rodri, whereas N’Golo Kante serves as a more accurate comparison. While that has occasionally been a source of disappointment, Zubimendi has featured in every league fixture this season and demonstrated why Liverpool and Real Madrid were so eager to secure his signature.
Christian Norgaard – Sell. The Norgaard signing is perhaps one of the most baffling Arsenal transfers in recent times. On paper, the former Brentford man’s Premier League experience made him a shrewd addition. Yet, Arteta hasn’t started him in a single league fixture, showing a clear mistrust in his abilities. Arsenal should therefore look to cash in on the Danish veteran this summer to raise funds for a more suitable central midfielder.
Myles Lewis-Skelly – Keep. The England international has suffered a challenging campaign, spending much of it on the substitutes’ bench following a breakthrough year last season. He was finally given his chance on Saturday, featuring in his first Premier League outing in his natural central midfield role and producing a commanding display. The 19-year-old ranks among the best teenage talents in his position, something Arteta appears to have only just recognised as the season draws to a close. Despite any temptation to part ways with him this summer, his potential firmly places him in the ‘must-keep bracket’.
Mikel Merino – Keep. Merino’s prolonged spell on the side-lines with a freak foot injury has had a detrimental effect on Arsenal’s season. The Spaniard, when available, provides valuable cover across multiple positions and an unexpected goal threat.
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Ethan Nwaneri – Sell. While there’s no questioning Nwaneri’s ability, something is clearly holding the 19-year-old back from establishing himself as a regular starter. That’s apparent from both Arteta and his current Marseille manager’s team selections this season. Nwaneri’s disappointing stint in France means they’re unlikely to pursue a permanent deal. But, given Arteta’s hesitance to deploy him even prior to his loan move, Arsenal should sell the Hale End graduate and reinvest the funds elsewhere.
Eberechi Eze – Keep. Eze has quietly enjoyed a superb campaign in his first season back at Arsenal since his academy days. His dream homecoming began slowly but he’s grown into his role as the season has unfolded, netting crucial goals and establishing himself as one of the few players at Arteta’s disposal capable of conjuring a moment of brilliance from nowhere.
Martin Odegaard – Sell. The Arsenal project has outgrown the captain. Odegaard, for several seasons now, has appeared a pale imitation of his former self. While still vital in the press and useful when dictating tempo, his creativity and finishing leave much to be desired. His displays no longer warrant his wages or lofty status at the club. For that reason, the Norwegian should either be demoted to a substitute role or sold for a substantial fee.
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Max Dowman – Keep. Selling England’s finest young prospect would be a catastrophic misjudgement by Arsenal. Fortunately, such a move appears unlikely in the foreseeable future. The 16-year-old has shown exactly why he is so highly-rated in his various cameos this season and will be a key player for the Gunners in the near future.
In attack
Bukayo Saka – Keep. Saka will know that this season has fallen short of his own lofty standards. However, his performance against Fulham, where he scored and provided an assist, proved he still has a clinical edge in the attacking third that nobody else in the squad can replicate. The England international, aged just 24, is expected to remain Arsenal’s leading light for at least the next five years.
Noni Madueke – Keep. Alternating between dazzling and exasperating, Madueke has split opinion following his contentious move from Chelsea. The 24-year-old England winger has started more matches than expected this season owing to Saka’s injury setbacks, yet he provides squad depth and a game-changing quality off the bench – something Arsenal had been missing for several years.
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Kai Havertz – Keep. Frustrating injury problems aside, Havertz has shown he is still a key cog in the Arsenal attack whenever he has played this season. The German possesses outstanding all-round play, even if his finishing can sometimes let him down.
Viktor Gyokeres – Keep. Gyokeres is perhaps the biggest enigma in the entire Arsenal squad. The Swede is clearly a level below his team-mates in terms of technical quality, yet he has 21 goals to his name, having largely delivered on what he was brought in to do. The encouraging sign for Arteta is that Gyokeres has grown as the season has progressed, meaning he could become even more potent next term.
Gabriel Jesus – Sell. Jesus should be the first player sold this summer given his persistent injury problems. The Brazilian is no longer capable of providing the same spark in the final third that he offered when he first arrived in N5.
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Gabriel Martinelli – Keep. Martinelli’s trajectory at Arsenal has been a major letdown. The Brazilian has gone backwards since three seasons ago, despite his Champions League stats this campaign telling a different story. Arsenal should be open to reasonable offers for the Brazilian this summer. However, any bid received is likely to fall short of what it would cost to bring in someone of comparable quality in the transfer market, meaning the wiser option may be to hold onto Martinelli for the time being.
Leandro Trossard – Sell. Much like Martinelli, Trossard has failed to consistently deliver throughout the season. The Belgian is still capable of flashes of brilliance, as demonstrated at the weekend. However, the one advantage Martinelli holds over him is pace. Given Trossard is 31 years old, this summer represents the ideal opportunity to bid farewell to a player who has given everything for the Gunners and bring in a world-class left winger in his place.
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
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Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.
Members were snappy happy to pick up their prizes.
Hamilton Camera Club have presented awards to their best photographers at the annual awards dinner.
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Club chairperson Mike Farrance handed out several prizes to both new and experienced photographers from the area, recognising a range of different skill sets.
Established in 1903, Hamilton Camera Club completed a successful year with members attending Hamilton Parish Church halls from September to April on Thursday nights.
Members enjoyed listening to a variety of visiting speakers covering topics such as landscape, nature, documentary and photography tutorials.
Four well-attended organised outings were also arranged with the support of experienced members acting as mentors. These events included The Birks of Aberfeldy, two trips to Glasgow at night and Hamilton town centre for a scavenger hunt.
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In addition members participated in two monthly themed competitions and two open events, and also had opportunities to show their own photographs from these outings for the enjoyment of all.
This year also saw a presentation to Donald Parsons, one of the club’s longest serving members. Donald, a member since 1988, has supported the club in a variety of committee positions and has won a total of 62 trophies for outstanding print and image quality. In recognition of this service the club awarded him with an honorary membership.
The President’s Trophy was awarded to Susannah Smith, Jean McMillan picked up the Treasurer’s Trophy and the Images Shield went to Ross McCallum.
The club will resume on September 3 with a full program of activities, and further information available at hamiltoncameraclub.co.uk
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Both PSG and Bayern were in action over the weekend, and both were similarly free-scoring in draws with inferior opposition. Bayern drew 3-3 with Heidenheim while PSG’s meeting with Lorient finished 2-2.
Wednesday’s victor will, of course, secure their place in the final in Budapest, where they will face either Arsenal or Atletico Madrid.
Date, kick-off time and venue
Bayern Munich vs Paris Saint-Germain is scheduled for an 8pm BST kick-off on Wednesday, May 6, 2026.
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The match will take place at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany.
PSG lead Bayern 5-4 on aggregate after a thrilling first-leg
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Where to watch Bayern Munich vs Paris Saint-Germain
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TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on TNT Sports 1, with coverage starting at 7pm BST ahead of an 8pm kick-off.
Live stream: TNT Sports subscribers can also catch the contest live online via the HBO Max app and website.
Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog.
Bayern Munich vs Paris Saint-Germain team news
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Vincent Kompany’s Bayern will be without several important players for this tie, the most notable being Raphael Guerreiro, sidelined with a hamstring injury.
Legendary goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has not quite been at his best of late but will likely keep his place in the side with understudy Sven Ulreich also sidelined.
Serge Gnabry is out for the season with a thigh injury, while exciting young forward Lennart Karl is a doubt with a muscular injury. Elsewhere, Wisdom Mike and Cassiano Kiala complete the list of absentees.
Manuel Neuer has not been in brilliant form of late
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PSG’s most notable injury is to captain Achraf Hakimi, who picked up a thigh injury in the first-leg.
Goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier, signed last summer as a supposed upgrade on Gianluigi Donnarumma, is due to miss this match through injury too. He has been playing second fiddle to Matvei Safonov for most of the campaign, though. Quentin Ndjantou is also out.
Bayern Munich vs Paris Saint-Germain prediction
This second-leg has an awful lot to live up to after such a thrilling first, but Bayern will have a marked advantage as they return to home comforts.
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They will hopefully be a bit more settled at the Allianz, and, subsequently, Kompany will be keen to see a more assured defensive performance from his side.
The Bavarians’ attack remains in fine fettle, and they must only win by a margin of two to book their place in the final. We expect them to do exactly that.
Bayern Munich to win 3-1 on the night, 7-6 on aggregate.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
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Nearly one in five goals scored in the 17 matches between Bayern Munich and PSG came during last week’s first-leg at the Parc des Princes (19 out of 48).
These beaches might be the perfect place to go with your dog throughout the summer.
While many beaches along the Norfolk coast have introduced bans on dogs in some popular tourist hotspots from Friday, May 1, until the start of October, there are still plenty of places that welcome dogs throughout the year. You can still enjoy a trip to the beach with the whole family, including your dog, this summer.
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Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) help to make sure busy beaches visited by families clean and safe during the peak times. However, some of the quieter beaches and parts of the coast will allow you to walk your dog if you are looking to escape to the seaside.
One of the most popular beaches in Norfolk that is known for its brightly coloured beach huts, Wells-next-the-Sea, welcomes dogs throughout the summer. The beach café, where you can grab sandwiches, pastries, and a hot drink for your trip, is also dog-friendly with a few treats and ice creams for dogs available.
Some of these beaches do have small areas that are restricted or where dogs need to be kept on a lead because of bird nesting so it is worth checking exactly where you can go with your dog before your trip. Here are all of the dog-friendly beaches in Norfolk that you can visit in the summertime:
Lancashire Constabulary received numerous reports of youth anti-social behaviour at the quarry in Adlington.
Within the site, young people were seen going up and down the conveyor belt to jump into the sand.
Alexander Banister, an officer at Chorley Rural East, said: “I want to take this opportunity to remind everyone of the dangers within these areas.
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“Although it might seem like a good idea to explore, there are numerous dangers often hidden within these areas, such as quick-sinking sand and mud and dangerous equipment.
“As these youths were seen going up and down the conveyor belt to jump into the sand, this is extremely dangerous as the sand sits on concrete, which could have resulted in someone getting injured.
“Please ensure you stay away from these areas and avoid putting yourself in any unnecessary danger.
The officer was forced to draw his gun during the incident in the Holylands area of South Belfast
16:09, 04 May 2026
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An asylum seeker allegedly advanced towards a PSNI officer with a knife before shouting the Islamic proclamation “Allahu Akbar”, a court heard today.
The officer was forced to draw his gun when Libyan national Hamza Banali, 24, confronted him in the Holyland area of south Belfast at the weekend, a judge was told.
Banali, of address at Farnham Street in the city, denies any religious or hate motivation behind an incident linked to reports of cars being damaged in the area.
He appeared at Belfast Magistrates’ Court charged with possessing a bladed article in a public place and resisting police.
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Officers went to Damascus Street late on Saturday night amid claims that a man was damaging parked cars with a knife.
Banali, who is originally from Tripoli, was approached after he matched the description given of the perpetrator.
“He advanced towards the police, drawing a short, bladed knife,” an investigating detective claimed.
A sergeant at the scene then drew his gun, telling him to drop the knife and get onto the ground.
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Within seconds Banali allegedly discarded the blade before being detained and handcuffed.
As he was being arrested he shouted “Allahu Akbar”, the Arabic phrase meaning “God is greater”, the court heard.
The defendant was said to be so aggressive that he had to be physically restrained as officers transported him into custody.
“During interviews he denied any hate or religious motivation,” the detective added.
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“He alleged intoxication was the cause, and denied ever having the knife in his possession.”
Banali has not been charged with criminal damage to any of the cars on Damascus Street.
But police opposed bail amid claims that he poses a risk to the public
Defence solicitor Aidan Carlin argued that it was nothing more than an alcohol-fuelled incident.
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“He made comments while intoxicated, sadly like so many people who come before the courts,” the lawyer submitted.
“He said things and behaved in a way that he regrets.”
Mr Carlin described Banali as an unemployed pizza chef currently seeking asylum in the United Kingdom.
Refusing bail, however, District Judge Amanda Brady cited the risks that he could either re-offend or flee.
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She remanded Banali in custody to appear in court again on May 7.
Here is all you need to know about voting in the local elections 2026
Local elections are just around the corner, meaning it is nearly time to vote for your chosen candidates. This year’s elections in Cambridgeshire are taking place for Cambridge City Council, South Cambridgeshire Council, Huntingdonshire District Council, and Peterborough City Council.
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Elections are not taking place in Fenland District Council or East Cambridgeshire District Council this year, as they will take place in 2027. For anyone wanting to vote, here is all you need to know about it.
When can I vote?
Polling stations open at 7am on Thursday, May 7. They remain open until 10pm. Counting will then take place on Friday, May 8.
Some voters may have taken the opportunity to take part in an early voting trial scheme before May 7. Others may have used a postal vote to select their preferred candidate.
Where can I vote?
Your local polling stations will be listed on your polling card, if you have one. You can also find them on the relevant council website.
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What do I need?
You will need a form of photographic ID in order to vote at your local polling station. This includes a UK passport and driving licence.
Other forms of ID will be listed on your polling card or the council website. It is now essential to take photographic ID, but you do not need to take your polling card.
Where can I see the results?
Results for each council will filter throughout the day on Friday, May 8. They will be listed on each council website as and when they come through. CambridgeshireLive will also be regularly updating readers with the results.
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