Church rampage knifeman found dead in jail had previously stabbed trainee lawyer
A MAN who died in prison after being accused of a crazed church knife rampage had struck before.
John Delahaye was found dead at HMP Birmingham on March 5. He was only a week away from standing trial over allegations of attacking worshippers at the New Jerusalem Apostolic Church in Aston, Birmingham. Three members of the congregation were injured in the attack.
The Post can now reveal he had previously carried out an almost carbon copy of the chilling church attack.
In 2002 Delahaye developed a violent fixation about a solicitor acting for him over a harassment matter.
Delahaye had been ejected a number of times from solicitor’s Birmingham law firm before vaulting the counter and repeatedly stabbing a trainee lawyer.
His victim was knifed twice in the chest, in the head and hand and shoulder.
One wound was only centi- metres from a vital organ.
At Liverpool Crown Court, Delahaye, from Aston, was found guilty of attempted murder and jailed for 12 years.
Only two days before last September’s church attack, the 46-year-old returned to the very same Birmingham legal firm and made further threats.
His original victim is still in the legal profession. He asked not to be named.
“Was I surprised by what happened at the church? No,” he said.
“He came across as a man who was cool, calm and calculated. When we ejected him from the office, he didn’t run like most would. He called the police and made a complaint. That shows a man with brains.
“Every time we ejected him, he said the same thing, ‘I’ll be back’.
On the last occasion, he came back with a kitchen knife.”
His groundless belief that a lawyer at the legal firm had badly represented him turned into violent obsession.
His victim, who had no involvement with Delahaye’s case, was stabbed while trying to protect female staff.
As he leapt the front counter, a scarf covering Delahaye’s face slipped, revealing his identity.
His victim said: “It is my understanding he served every day of that 12-year sentence, which is highly unusual.”
Delahaye’s death was confirmed during a court hearing last Friday.
Phillip Bradley, prosecuting at Birmingham Crown Court, said: “The defendant was discovered on Monday in his cell at about 8 o’clock. He was deceased.”
Delahaye was to stand trial on this week charged with attempted murder, making threats to kill, two counts of wounding with intent and two of possessing offensive weapons.
The injured men included prominent businessman Karl George.
Phil Gayle, elder at church, said the victims tackled the knifeman praised their bravery.
Rob Kellett, director of HMP Birmingham, said: “As with any death in custody, this will be investigated by the Prison and Probation Ombudsman.”
He added that his thoughts were with Delahaye’s family. the had and