A KNIFEMAN “sent shivers down a police officer’s spine” when he pulled a blade on him after a drugs bust.

Mohammed Abdalla, 18, was caught buying three wraps of heroin in a Brighton churchyard on September 6 and turned aggressive as officers tried to arrest him.

The homeless teen wrestled with the two plain-clothed officers at St Nicholas Church in Dyke Road, drawing the 12-inch kitchen knife in a bid to escape.

One of the officers said in 23 years’ service, he had “never come across the level of violence and determination” he encountered with Abdalla, Lewes Crown Court heard on Friday.

Abdalla, who has been in custody in the town’s prison, appeared in court wearing a grey tracksuit.

He pleaded guilty to possession of the blade, possession of the heroin and obstructing officers and was sentenced to a total of 22 and a half months in a young offenders’ institute.

Ryan Richter, prosecuting, said police had stopped Abdalla for a drug search and he pulled away.

They then began tussling and Abdalla pulled the knife – to the shock of the officers.

The struggle continued into a crowded Queen’s Road and the policemen found it difficult to restrain Abdalla, who they said was “strong for his size”.

A passerby grabbed the knife after Abdalla dropped it and he was eventually arrested after back-up was called.

Abdalla, originally from South London, was found with £856 cash on him, claiming he found it in the churchyard.

He began offending in 2016 and has four previous convictions for nine previous offences, including multiple knife crimes.

Josie Sonessa, defending, said Abdalla has had a troubled life and was separated from his alcoholic mother at the age of eight. He has been in and out of children’s homes. She said Abdalla had been stabbed in the past and that was his reason for carrying a knife.

Abdalla was due to stand trial last week but changed his pleas because he “didn’t want to waste anyone’s time”, Ms Sonessa said.

She said he admitted he bought the heroin and had been “very apologetic for his actions”.

She said Abdalla wanted to “turn his life around” after serving his sentence, saying he has rekindled his relationship with his mother.

He has been diagnosed with depression and ADHD.

Abdalla looked vacant and emotionless throughout as Recorder Gareth Branston sentenced him.

Recorder Branston said the officer who noticed the knife was “terrified for his safety and his colleague’s” and they “feared for their lives”. He said: “Alarm does not do it justice. You caused fear for their lives.” He added Abdalla’s actions “sent shivers” down the spine of one of the officers.

Abdalla was ordered to pay a £140 surcharge and costs of £500.The cash he was found with was taken from him.