Kim Pilling

Both Douk Deng, a 21-year-old South Sudanese failed asylum seeker, was sentenced to two years in prison after pleading guilty to criminal damage and possessing a hammer, hatchet, kitchen knife and petrol at schools in Heywood and Rochdale. The defence said he was distressed, frustrated by his immigration circumstances and seeking attention rather than intending to harm anyone. Police said they found no clear motive but described the incident as disturbing. The sentencing judge urged the Home Office to address his immigration status and circumstances.