19/02/2015

Fugitive Stabs Himself Before Arrest

A prisoner who was on the run from authorities stabbed himself when caught by PSNI officers in Belfast city centre last night.

Derek Brockwell had escaped from from Tallaght Hospital in Dublin at about 15:00 on Tuesday after stabbing two prison officers.

The PSNI, UK police and Gardaí collaborated in the search to track down the man.

The 53-year-old fugitive was then caught in a pub on Bedford Street in Belfast city centre on Wednesday evening. When officers approached him, Mr Brockwell produced a knife and stabbed himself in the abdomen. Police tasered the man and he was taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital in the city.

Superintendent Darrin Jones said: "A man unlawfully at large from the Republic of Ireland was located by police in Belfast City Centre last night, Wednesday, 18 February.

"On Police approaching him he produced a knife and proceeded to stab himself in the abdomen. To ensure no further injuries were caused to the man or others Police discharged a taser. He was then taken to hospital for treatment."

Police have self-referred to the Police Ombudsman's office regarding the use of a taser.

Mr Brockwell has been arrested on suspicion of two counts of robbery and two counts of possession of an offensive weapon.

(IT/CD)

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