Threatened to beat injured party during telephone call

Darren Patrick Gallagher, Parkmore, Craigavon, appeared last Thursday at Banbridge Magistrates Court.

He admitted making improper use of a telecommunication system on August 21 last year by making a 
message of a menacing character.

As well as the compensation to the injured party Gallagher was given a conditional discharge or 18 months.

The court heard the injured party and his father received a call from the defendant threatening to beat him and the victim believed it would be carried out.

The number had been withheld but the injured party recognised the defendant’s voice.

When interviewed Gallagher denied making any threats and said he had not had a phone for two 
weeks.

A barrister representing Gallagher said he had been in a relationship with the mother of his child and they had separated.

He explained the injured party began a relationship with the defendant’s ex-partner and Gallagher spoke out of turn.

The lawyer said it was a one-off phone call. The parties now got on well and wanted to put this behind them.