PSNI responded to report of man with hammers in a public place, Lisburn court hears
A man who was found brandishing two hammers in the middle of the street in Dunmurry has been ordered to serve 18 months on probation.
Bryan Brannigan, 32, whose address was given as Donegall Avenue in Belfast, appeared before Lisburn Magistrates Court charged with possessing an offensive weapon in a public place.
The court heard that on June 24, 2025 police received a report from members of the public that the defendant was in the street at Beattie Park Central in Dunmurry with two hammers in his hands.
When challenged by the police the defendant dropped the hammers.
He was arrested and made no comment during interview.
District Judge Rosie Watters commented: “His mental health issues are related to drugs and his psychosis is drug induced.”
A defence lawyer told the court: “He has come to some kind of realisation that he needs help and assistance.
“It is a case screaming out for someone to help him.”
The district judge continued: “He admits to cannabis and cocaine use.
"Your health is your wealth. I just don’t understand why people do these stupid things.”
Ms Watters sought the consent of the defendant to impose a probation order for 18 months.
She told the defendant: “I don’t want to put you on probation if you are not going to take the help available.
"You have to be completely honest with your probation officer and you will have to go to Community Addictions.
"I dread to think what you thought you were going to do with those hammers,” she added.
Ms Watters also issued an order for the destruction of the hammers.