Death threats have man living in fear

The 42-year-old told how he developed chest pains during an early morning incident at his Chestnut Place home last weekend when he heard a bang at the door and thought someone was trying to get into the house.

The man, who lives alone and did not wish to be named for fear of further intimidation, said he was frightened to find the windows in his kitchen and front door had been broken. But a more sinister find was the death threat plastered across the door, reading “Your dead you peeler tout RIP” (sic).

The former engineer said he cannot understand why he is being targeted, having lived in a number of different properties but never experienced the problems he has had at Chestnut Place where he said the trouble is “constant”.

“I was promised when I moved here there would be no trouble,” he said. “I have lived in other places before and never had any trouble. I am so frustrated.

“Now my windows are boarded up after they were broken and I’m sitting here in darkness. They have sprayed death threats on the door, calling me a police tout.”

The man said he wants to be moved from the Housing Executive property, before his health gets worse.

“I already have physical problems with my leg and my heart and I have mental health issues too,” he said. “This is the last thing I need. I am now on about nine tablets every day to cope with this - from sleeping tablets to painkillers.

“I can’t go on like this, something needs to be done.”

A former neighbour and good friend of the victim said she also experienced problems in the area and urged the Housing Executive to take action.

She said, “Something needs to happen before someone gets really hurt. I call this place Nightmare on Elm Street because there is always something going on whether it’s loud parties, drink or drugs.”

When contacted by the Leader the Housing Executive said they are awaiting a police report to investigate the incident.

“This tenant complained to the Housing Executive on March 12 in relation to incidents that happened at his property on March 10. This was the first complaint that we have received from this individual.

“The Housing Executive has contacted PSNI and is currently awaiting a report from them in relation to the incidents of March 10.”

The spokesman admitted there has been a history of anti social behaviour in the area, and urged victims to report any incidents.

“The Housing Executive takes all reports of anti-social behaviour very seriously and encourages those who have the peace and privacy of their home disturbed by such actions to report it to us immediately and keep a record of all such incidents.”

Police said they are investigating the incidents reported to them and have offered advice to the victim.

“Enquiries into these incidents are ongoing and police would appeal to anyone with information to contact them on 0845 600 8000.”