Man who allegedly 'snapped' over noise coming from car park frequented by young drivers beside his home in Ballymena is contesting case
A Ballymena man who allegedly "snapped" over noise outside his home at a car park which is a gathering place for young motorists, is contesting the case.
Philip Arthur Esler (61), of Castle Street Mews, is charged with having a knife and hatchet as offensive weapons; possessing a knife and hatchet with intent to commit grievous bodily harm; causing criminal damage to a Volkswagen Scirocco car; threatening to kill the car owner; assaulting the car owner; and attempting to cause criminal damage to another vehicle.
The charges relate to November 23, 2025. The case was mentioned at Antrim Magistrates Court, sitting in Ballymena, on Tuesday.
A defence solicitor told an earlier court: "Unfortunately that car park is a gathering place for younger men who modify their motorcars by putting on exhaust systems that make bangs."
When interviewed he told police he could hear "loud exhausts” and “snapped as this had been an ongoing issue".
The case has been adjourned to May 21 for a contest.