Judge slams Samurai 'madness'

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A man who hijacked a car after holding a Samurai sword to the driver's throat has been given a three year sentence in a young offenders centre.

Dean Francis Heaney, 20, from Rockdale Street in Belfast, admitted hijacking the car and driving whilst unfit in the early hours of 26 January.

He crashed the car on the Glen Road and was arrested by police after a chase through Milltown cemetery.

The judge described Heaney's actions as "madness".

A defence lawyer said Heaney had "consumed a considerable volume of drink and a number of drugs".

His client's time in custody had caused him to reflect and he now wanted to "turn over a new leaf in his life."