A GANG of pirates threw urine and poo at crew they threatened to kill, a court heard.
The four allegedly tried to hijack a 78,000-ton cargo ship as it entered the Thames Estuary.
They had been put in quarantine after they were found on the vessel, which set off from Nigeria last December. But they allegedly broke free five days later as it reached the UK.
A court heard they armed themselves with metal poles and bottles filled with their urine and threatened to kill crew. One is said to have yelled: “It’s either I kill you or you kill me.”
Tony Badenoch QC, prosecuting, told the Old Bailey: “They made demands that the ship made its way to the UK. In order to reinforce these demands, the defendants armed themselves with metal poles, threw urine and faeces.
“At least one of the defendants cut themselves. The crew believed the reason for that cut was a threat and they would pass on the disease they were carrying unless their demands were met.”
He said the defendants also struck boxing poses while crew were locked away in the bridge.
MOST READ IN UK NEWS
Naval special forces eventually swooped on the Grande Tema vessel. When quizzed, the men claimed crew had threatened them after they were treated “like dogs” on board.
Samuel Jolumi, 27, Ishola Sunday, 28, Toheeb Popoola, 27, and Joberto McGee, 20, all deny attempting to hijack.
The men, from Nigeria and Liberia, also deny making threats to kill and affray. The trial continues.
- GOT a story? Ring The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or email [email protected].
