Judge tells Lisburn man he should be ashamed of himself after threatening staff at a local restaurant
A Lisburn man who threatened a member of staff at a local restaurant with a ‘bladed item’ in what he said was ‘a joke’ has been given a suspended prison sentence.
Paul Edgar, 58, whose address was given as Gravelhill Road, appeared before Lisburn Magistrates Court charged with common assault.
The court heard that at 6.40pm on May 30, 2025 police received a report of an alleged assault at Cell Block Grill in Maghaberry.
The defendant, who was said to be a regular customer and known to staff, approached a member of staff demanding a table inside the restaurant.
When told the restaurant was busy it was reported that he drew a “bladed item” and told the woman “You will be getting me a f**king table”.
Police later attended the home of the defendant, who was cautioned about the incident.
It was stated in court the defendant responded to the police saying “Them f**king w**kers”, in reference to staff at the restaurant.
The defendant was interviewed and largely accepted what had happened but stated it was “a joke”.
Defence told the court the defendant’s actions were “grossly inappropriate and grossly foolhardy using robust language”.
He continued: “I have authority from him to express an unequivocal apology to the staff member.”
During sentencing, District Judge Rosie Watters told the defendant: “You should be thoroughly ashamed of yourself.
"I am assuming there was drink taken and you lost patience but to produce this article and threaten this girl I think is pretty grim.”
Ms Watters imposed a sentence of five months, suspended for 18 months. She also ordered the defendant to pay compensation of £300.