Jilted lover threatened former partner with knife in Dungannon

East Tyrone Magistrate’s Court heard how police were called to Redford Park on the morning of May 25 following a report of a woman armed with a kitchen knife who was making threats against a man inside a house.

They discovered Barbara Dale, 59, outside the address and arrested her.

She had decapitated a number of flowers at the front door of the house.

As she was being escorted from the property by police she screamed, “you’re f***ing dead” in the direction of the building before shouting “I’m going to kill him” as the police car pulled away.

She consequently admitted causing damage to the plants and having had a kitchen knife with her during the incident.

Ms Dale further told police that she had been in a long term relationship with the owner of the house but that he had later begun seeing a friend romantically.

Mr Blaine Nugent, defending, told the court that his client was living in the same street as the injured party and “took the law into her own hands” after stewing over previous events.

He also said that Ms Dale - who was appearing via video link from Hydebank and was visibly upset throughout - had been living in Armagh following the incident as part of her bail arrangements, but was later taken into custody following a breach on June 19.

“It is a great shame that a lady finds herself in court,” he said.

“But she would concede that she has a problem with alcohol and due to this problem has no contact with her children.”

District Judge Bernadette Kelly imposed a one month sentence in prison as well as a £25 court levy.

She further imposed a restraining order to prevent contact between the two parties.