Bomb hoax lands Jesus Christianity behind bars

A MAN named Jesus Christianity shouted “gays are disgusting” at young people travelling to Pride in Cardiff before claiming he had a bomb in his backpack.

The 34-year-old was travelling on a train into the city when he made homophobic remarks and stated he had an explosive device with him.

Cardiff Crown Court yesterday heard he told the group: “Jesus said it was Adam and Eve. Not Eve and Eve. Or Adam and Adam.”

The court heard the bomb hoax occurred on August 26 last year, during Pride Cymru – an event celebrating diversity.

Gareth James, prosecuting, said the defendant was travelling on an Arriva Trains Wales service operating between Penarth and Bargoed.

He said: “He began shouting quotes from the Bible.”

The court heard Christianity directed “homophobic remarks” towards a group of young people who were travelling to Pride.

Prosecutors said he made the comments about Adam and Eve, before shouting: “Gays are disgusting.”

The defendant then stated: “I’ve got a bomb in my backpack.”

He got off the train in Grangetown and a witness called the police. A description was sent to officers policing the event, based on CCTV footage of the defendant at the railway station.

The court heard firearms officers responded and Christianity was recognised and arrested.

Mr James said they found a toy gun inside his backpack, but he was not charged in relation to that.

The defendant accepted he was on the train, but stated he did not have a bomb with him and told officers he was on antipsychotic medication.

Prosecutors argued the offence was aggravated by hostility towards others based on their sexual orientation.

Christianity committed a second offence in January while on bail for the bomb hoax.

The court heard he was living at Glebe Street in Penarth and the landlord was having some work carried out in the flat above.

Prosecutors said he became “irritated” by the noise and started “yelling” at the workers.

Mr James said: “He said he was going to burn down the house.”

The landlord called 999 and Christianity was arrested. He accepted making the threat.

Prosecutors said he had been before the courts for 33 previous offences, including damage, dishonesty, common assault and wounding.

Christianity, who does not have a permanent address, admitted communicating false information with intent and making a threat to cause criminal damage with intent.

He appeared via video link from HM Cardiff Prison, where he is on the medical wing. The defendant shook his head and said: “I’m not a terrorist.”

Ruth Smith, defending, said her client is affected by mental health problems.

The court heard he has a “psychotic illness”, but psychiatrists have been unable to agree on a diagnosis.

Ms Smith said her client was travelling to Cardiff Foodbank at the time of the bomb hoax.

She told the court he feels “panicked” in crowded spaces and was planning to cycle, but his bike was stolen.

The defence barrister argued the offending was not planned, but committed “on the spur of the moment”.

She said Christianity stopped taking his medication in the run-up to the incident due to side-effects.

Ms Smith added: “He does apologise for his behaviour.”

Judge Neil Bidder QC told the defendant: “I have to sentence you for two serious offences.”

He noted the bomb hoax was motivated by homophobia, occurred on public transport and took the police away from their duties.

The judge said: “This type of incident puts strain on already stretched police resources and is a very serious matter in today’s climate.”

Christianity was jailed for 17 months.