A Fermanagh teenager arrested for wielding a hammer in the centre of Derry has claimed he was acting in self-defence after being threatened by a man with a knife.

Johnny Crumlish, of Trasna Way, Lisnaskea, was fined £500 when he admitted having the offensive weapon at Foyle Street in the city on April 2.

Londonderry Magistrate’s Court heard that Crumlish had gone to the city to visit members of his family. He became involved in an incident at Shipquay Street in the city centre during which he waved the hammer above his head.

Members of the public called the police and minutes later officers saw Crumlish wielding the weapon outside the city’s bus depot in nearby Foyle Street. They arrested him and took the hammer off him.

Defence solicitor Paddy MacDermott said Crumlish bought the hammer after being threatened by a man he did not know, who was armed with a knife.

After his arrest Crumlish denied the offence but later admitted it.

District Judge Barney McElholm described Crumlish’s actions of waving a hammer about in an area frequented by members of the public as “absolutely disgraceful”.

He rejected Crumlish’s claim that he was acting in self-defence.

“This was not self defence,” stated the District Judge. “If someone threatened my with a knife I would not go and buy a hammer, I would contact the police immediately.

“If that is the way he is going to behave when he visits this city, he had better stay out of the city. If I see him here again, I will send him to jail,” he warned.