Intruder ‘wanted to talk to Queen about benefits’

A man armed with a six-inch kitchen knife was rugby-tackled to the ground by police outside Buckingham Palace after jumping over a vehicle barrier in an attempt to see the Queen, a court has heard.

David Belmar admitted trespassing and possession of a bladed article at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.

The 44-year-old from Haringey, north London, told police: “I wanted to see the Queen. I’m not happy about my benefits,” according to Edward Aydin, prosecuting.