TOO RISKY TO BE IN THE DOCK
Iwelumo brother accused of attacking cops
The brother of former Scotland striker Chris Iwelumo allegedly battled seven police officers when they tried to arrest him following a bust-up outside a church.
Sylvanus Benedict was arrested twice in 48 hours and was de emed to be too risky to be moved from his cell for a court appearance.
Former rugby player Benedict is accused of assaulting two constables and threatening to shoot their colleagues during a rammy at the Plymouth Brethren Church in Kilmaurs, Ayrshire.
The 42-year-old, who is around 6ft 5in tall and believed to weigh about 20st, is alleged to have kicked off the row after telling worshippers God didn’t exist.
Unemployed Benedict was hauled before Kilmarnock Sheriff Court on Monday. He faced nine charges, including assaulting five people, damaging a car and resisting arrest. The charges include accusations of religious prejudice.
Benedict was released on bail but arrested again on Tuesday and charged with threatening to murder a parishioner and acting in a threatening and abusive manner towards his family.
At his second court appearance, Sheriff Iona McDonald heard the case in the cells and remanded him in custody.
A source said: “Police warned what he was capable of if he lost his cool. No one wanted to see that kind of scenario played out in a court.
“Given what happened previously, this was probably a wise move. It took seven police officers to finally arrest him for the incident at the church and the fear was that he would become violent in the dock.
“The case was heard in the cells because there would be greater security for all concerned. The sheriff, clerk, police, security guards, court officials and the defence lawyer appeared in the cells area along with the accused.”
The melee on Sunday allegedly started when Benedict went to the church and began shouting: “There is no God.”
It is claimed he swore, made offensive remarks and pushed three parishioners.
When police arrived, Benedict allegedly threatened to shoot officers. It is claimed he threw one constable to the ground, punched another and struggled violently.
Benedict faces trial on the first nine charges on October 13. The trial for the later alleged offence is due to take place on July 27.
The source added: “Benedict claimed that the family involved in the second incident had been texting Chris and his mother or contacting them on social media.”
Benedict is thought to act as his mother’s carer at their home in Kilmaurs.
His lawyer Neil McPherson said: “The hearing involving my client took place in the cells.
“While this is most unusual, it’s not unprecedented.
“My client is pleading not guilty to all the charges.
“When he was told he was being remanded in custody, there was no reaction other than one of extreme sadness. He said this would badly affect his life.”
It is thought Benedict was previously an amateur rugby player.
His brother made fou r international appearances for Scotland in a 19-year career that started with St Mirren.
Iwelumo, 38, who was born in Coatbridge, will always be known for an open-goal miss in a World Cup qualifier against Norway at Hampden in 2008.
He is now a football pundit for Channel 5.