Suspended sentence for man who threatened to slit neighbour's throat

Declan Anselm Peter Walker (25) of Stroanshesk Park appeared in the dock at North Antrim Magistrates Court

accused of threatening to kill the other man in May 2008.

A prosecutor told the court Walker - who is currently serving a three month sentence for a different offence - approached the injured party's gate to the rear of his property before shouting "You're getting it too. I'll cut your throat".

Police were called and arrested Walker. The court was told that while the police car drove past the injured party's property Walker shouted: "Threats to kill? I'll show you threats to kill!" from the rear of the vehicle.

When interviewed at the police station Walker denied the offence to officers.

A defence lawyer told the court the incident had followed a dispute between Walker and his neighbour.

The lawyer said Walker was a reformed character since the offence.

"He has since disassociated himself from those who would have given him a very biased and unrepresentative view of the police," said the lawyer.

"Part of his problem was the associates he had at that time."

The lawyer said Walker had taken part in a number of voluntary programmes recently which he had benefited from.

"He is clearly making an attempt to start again," said the lawyer.

"It seems this is a young man who has finally grown up."

District Judge Richard Wilson handed Walker a three month sentence suspended for two years.

"So if you do something stupid in the next couple of years after you are released you will be going back to prison," said Mr Wilson.

"Can you behave yourself?"

"Yes sir," replied Walker.

"You behave yourself from now on," said Mr Wilson.