Weapons accused ‘soldier prepared to die’
Prosecutors said 50-year-old Gregory Wallace had to be taken to the ground by members of a PSNI armed response unit at Bow Street Mall in Lisburn, Co Antrim last month.
Follow-up searches at his home led to the seizure of another 20 suspected firearms, including rifles and shotguns.
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Hide AdWallace, of Howard Place in Lisburn, is accused of a series of weapon offences in connection with the incident on February 22.
Crown lawyer Stephanie Boyd set out how police were alerted that a topless man with a knife and gun in his waistband had confronted staff at a coffee shop in the centre.
“When approached about his state of dress he became abusive and replied ‘You don’t know who I am, I will get you done’,” she said.
Officers called to the scene tackled Wallace amid fears that he posed an immediate danger to himself and other members of the public.
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Hide AdMrs Boyd claimed: “When he was taken to the ground he stated that he was a soldier, Covid-19 was his enemy, and he was prepared to die.
“He was asking police to shoot him.”
A large hunting knife and loaded air pistol were taken from him, according to the prosecution, along with a sports bag containing a smoke grenade, handgun and another pistol.
Police then discovered an assortment of suspected weaponry, pellets and magazines at his home.
Wallace faces a total of 10 charges.
His bail application was adjourned.