Swatragh man threatened to cut ex-partner to ‘f**king shreds’ with a hatchet

Before the court was 49-year-old Michael Devlin from Lismoyle Road, Swatragh, who faces charges of making threats to kill, assault and possessing the hatchet on November 2-3.

The court heard that Devlin was with his ex-partner when an argument ensued about the defendant getting a lift home.

A police officer said the injured party left the house after defendant threatened he would cut her to “f**king shreds” with his hatchet.

Continuing, he said the following day the injured party received a telephone call from Devlin in which he threatened her again, telling her he would cut her up “you fat bastard.”

The officer claimed on November 3 the defendant was being given a lift by a neighbour when an argument broke out resulting in Devlin getting an axe and swinging it over his head, shouting “come on, come on you bastard I’ll get you”, and chasing the man up the street.

The officer said that Deviln denied making the threats to his ex partner and did not make any further comment.

He added that police were opposed to bail because of the risk of re-offending and interfering with witnesses.

Applying for bail, a defence lawyer provided an address for the defendant in Magherafelt pointing out that the ex-partner lived in Castledawson.

Refusing bail, District Judge Alan White referred to Devlin’s “very significant record” and said there was a risk of further offending.

He remanded him in custody to appear in court by way of video link on December 2.