Buckingham Palace Intruder Sentenced To 16 Months In Jail

The Buckingham Palace intruder who jumped a barrier with a six-inch knife in his hand has been sentenced to 16 months in jail.

Last October, 44-year-old British citizen David Belmar — who has mental health problems — attempted to see Queen Elizabeth II without an audience.

Belmer allegedly told authorities that he went to Buckingham Palace to see the Queen because he was not happy with his benefits.

On Wednesday, a judge at London’s Southwark Crown Court sentenced Belmar to 16 months for trespassing and possession of a bladed article. The prosecution argued that Belmar, who was arrested in 1989 for throwing fireworks onto the Buckingham Palace grounds, was “a danger not just to himself but to others.”

During an earlier hearing, one of the prosecutors argued that Belmar was “fixated” with the Queen and that he was on medication for mental health issues.

“His behavior that morning (…) was unpredictable.”

“As you can see he’s quite a large man. He was rugby tackled to the ground because he wouldn’t stop. Police called out on two occasions. Armed guards had to stop him.”

“He could have been fired upon. Other people could have been hurt. And there was a risk of some form of disorder there outside the palace.”

Queen Elizabeth was not present at Buckingham Palace when the incident took place.

As reported by The Inquisitr in October, Belmar was the third Buckingham Palace intruder within a two-month span.

The three incidents took place at the North Center gate of the palace and led to an examination of security procedures at the royal residence.

Dai Davies, the former head of Royal Protection, said it is important to “review tactics and capabilities” following the intrusions.

Davies said it is customary to review procedures following any security breach. However, he said it is essential that the review is “professionally carried out by someone competent.” Davies suggested at the time that an independent review may be necessary.

In September of 2013, the security detail at Buckingham Palace was mortified when they held Prince Andrew — the son of Queen Elizabeth — at gunpoint, after they mistook him for an intruder.

An official letter of apology was sent to Prince Andrew from the London Metropolitan Police department.

Belmar has been sentenced to 16 months for possession of the knife, and six months for trespassing, which will run concurrently.

Even though the incidents didn’t result in any injuries or violence, it has made many question the efficiency of security procedures at Buckingham Palace.