Carnany man had pick axe handle 'for own protection'

Thomas McConnell (48) with an address at Carnany Drive, Ballymoney appeared at North Antrim Magistrates Court in Coleraine on Friday to plead guilty to a charge of possessing an offensive weapon in a public place.

A prosecutor told the court police saw McConnell in Carnany Avenue in the early hours of Saturday 23 January this year.

As they approached he tried to conceal an object he was holding from them by putting his hand behind his back.

When it turned out to be a pick axe handle he told police he was carrying it as he had been threatened.

A defence solicitor acting on behalf of McConnell said her client's windows had been broken at least three times in the past two years.

She said police had verified the attacks on McConnell's property.

"He was walking home from one part of the estate to another and was concerned he would be attacked," she said.

"He was in genuine fear. The people who put him under threat have still not been made amenable so he is still in fear."

District Judge Richard Wilson said: "The law of the jungle is not appropriate.

"You do not take the law into your own hands."

He asked McConnell if he had any idea why he was being targeted.

"There is no reason at all," McConnell replied.

"Well, that's regrettable," said Mr Wilson.

McConnell was bound over to keep the peace for two years on the sum of 250.