Threatened to burn down home

Charles McDonagh (32), of Dingwell Park, faces charges of threatening to kill and damage property, and possession of an offensive weapon.

He was arrested last December following an incident at his former partner's address in Lurgan. His application for bail was refused on Tuesday.

The court heard the woman claimed to be afraid for her safety because he allegedly warned her: "I'm going to kill you and burn down your house."

Prosecutors said after the woman went to her parents' home, the accused went up to her window armed with a hammer and said: "Your dad's a dead man walking - I will cut him from ear to ear."

McDonagh made further threats to police officers forced to restrain him during arrest, it was claimed. A defence lawyer claimed it would be hard for the prosecution to prove offences denied by Mr McDonagh.

The barrister, who pointed out how the woman had withdrawn her complaint at one stage, said the accused came from a deprived background and had limited education.

Refusing bail, Lord Justice Coghlin said: "The court has to be concerned with the protection of these people."