A failed asylum seeker, who had already been rejected three times, remained in the U.K. and was able to walk onto school grounds carrying a hammer, a hatchet, a seven-inch kitchen knife, and a container of petrol.
Both Douk Deng, 21, entered the premises of Edgar Wood Academy in Heywood, Greater Manchester, on Aug. 6 last year after becoming “increasingly frustrated” that immigration officials were not helping him remain and work in Britain.
Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court heard that the South Sudanese national wanted to “create a scene for attention” in the hope that it would advance his immigration case.
Deng was seen behaving strangely near the secondary school while carrying a petrol can and wearing a hammer tied to his belt. A member of the public raised the alarm.
He then walked a full circuit of the school, mumbling and scanning the building before entering the grounds. The school was closed to pupils for the summer, but builders were working on the site.
An illegal migrant has been jailed after turning up at a school armed with a hammer, hatchet and kitchen knife. What could have happened?
The South Sudanese national had become "increasingly frustrated" that immigration authorities were not helping him stay in Britain.
Get.… pic.twitter.com/PGQKKZcgRl
— Darren Grimes (@darrengrimes) July 29, 2026CCTV captured Deng entering the premises with the weapons. Concerned workmen confronted him and called police.
Officers detained him as he walked away and discovered the hammer, hatchet, kitchen knife, and a jerry can containing around half a liter of petrol. Bodycam footage caught the moment he was arrested.
The court also heard that Deng had behaved suspiciously at another school just one day earlier. He was seen at Holy Family RC and CE College in Rochdale, where he kicked and damaged the intercom while the premises were also closed to pupils.
Deng had applied for asylum in Britain on three occasions and had been refused every time. Despite those decisions, he remained in the country and was housed in shared accommodation.
His defense lawyer said Deng had not intended to hurt anyone and claimed the incident was an immature and compulsive act committed while he was in distress.
She said he felt ignored by immigration authorities, was unable to work because of his status, and had become frustrated after seeing other asylum seekers receive assistance.
Psychiatric reports found no major mental health condition.
Deng pleaded guilty to offenses including criminal damage and possessing weapons and a knife in public and on school premises.
He was jailed for two years and will serve up to half the sentence in custody before being released on license.
