Knives were for eating, says man arrested in early hours

David Olah’s lawyer argued police were wrongly trying to suggest a more “sinister” motive lay behind the incident.

The accused, a 19-year-old Slovakian national, was detained in the Lower Crescent area at around 2am on Wednesday.

Belfast Magistrates’ Court heard police recovered a steak knife and another black-handled knife from a backpack he had just taken off.

Olah, with an address at Avoniel Drive in the city, is charged with possessing an article with a blade or point in a public place.

As he appeared in the dock a PSNI officer opposed bail due to fears of potential offending and alleged risk to the public.

She claimed there were similarities between the circumstances of Olah’s arrest and a previous robbery incident.

“When he was stopped he gave an account that he had the two knives to eat with,” the officer disclosed.

District Judge Fiona Bagnall was also told Olah is due to appeal a Home Office decision to have him for his deported.

A defence solicitor said the accused accepted the knives were his.

But he insisted: “Police are trying to put something more sinister than his innocent explanation.

“There are no other offences (before the court) other than the possession.”

Refusing bail, however, Judge Bagnall ruled there was a likelihood of reoffending.

She said: “The innocent explanation is a bit difficult to accept at 2am.”

Olah was remanded in custody to appear again by video-link on September 15.