TT visitor accused of threatening to kill German tourist released from custody 

£5,000 surety lodged with Douglas Courthouse to secure bail

A visitor from Barrow-in-Furness who is accused of threatening to kill German tourists at a TT campsite has been released from the Isle of Man Prison on bail.

Paul Samuels, of Mikasa Street, appeared at Douglas Courthouse on Tuesday (27 June), via video link, where he was told the court would release him if a £5,000 surety was lodged.

The 44-year-old has been charged with maliciously administering poison, making threats to kill or cause serious injury and criminal damage.

All of the offences allegedly took place at St John’s Football Club on 8 June.

The prosecutor told the court Mr Samuels was visiting for the TT Races but had complained about the noise coming from a neighbouring pitch at the temporary campsite.

He's accused of confronting the visitors, shouting and swearing and offering to fight them; it’s alleged he also made derogatory comments about German people and their country.

He’s then accused of returning to their area with a bottle of BBQ lighter fuel, which he's said to have sprayed over the main complainant and some of his possessions, before threatening to light a lighter near him.

The court was told he then allegedly shouted: “F****** Germans, I will burn you.”

Mr Samuel’s advocate told the court his client retained the presumption of innocence and said spilling the lighter fuel in their gazebo was an accident; he denied his client had abused their nationality or shouted or sworn-at them.

Committal proceedings – where the case is elevated to the Court of General Gaol Delivery – will take place on 10 August; he’s been bailed until that date.

Update: Following a trial at Douglas Courthouse, which started on 19 February, Mr Samuels was found guilty of destroying or damaging property.

A jury found him not guilty of making threats to kill or administering a noxious substance.

He received a fine and must pay prosecution costs.