Man given suspended sentence following threats to kill

North Antrim Magistrates' Court heard that Kenneth Mackie (44) of Manse Avenue made threats towards his former partner and her current boyfriend.

The court was told that on September 21 last year Mackie phoned her and said: "I'm coming over to burn you out...I don't care I'll do time."

The injured party's current partner also received a text said to be from the defendant which threatened to kill him too.

Police spoke with Mackie and he was subsequently arrested.

Defence said that Mackie couldn't remember the incident as he had taken `alcohol but that he fully accepted what he had done and never intended to follow out the threats.

Mackie is currently undergoing treatment for his addiction problem and has since personally apologised to both injured parties.

Suspending the custodial sentence for three years, District Judge, Mr Richard Wilson, warned the defendant that if he came before the court again he would go to jail.

"Whether you intended to carry this out or not you do not threaten people. I don't want to see you back here again," said Mr Wilson.