Threatened to kill ex-partner and her family

Stephen Joseph Menary, Victoria Street, Lurgan, admitted sending messages of a menacing character and improper use of public electronic communications on December 5 last year.

The injured party, who is the defendant’s ex-partner, reported to police that Menary had contacted her wanting to speak to their son. When he was told his son did not want to speak to him he told the victim he would ‘kill you and your family’ and she hung up. Menary rang back on six occasions.

When spoken to by police he said he had drink on board and may have said things in the heat of the moment which he didn’t mean.

A solicitor representing the defendant said that matters had moved on and Menary had consented to a non molestation order and court proceedings were issued over contact with the son.

He explained that his client had been out drinking with friends at the time of the offences. He had mental health issues and was attending with his GP and a support group in the community.

District Judge, Mr Mervyn Bates, said the defendant did not have a bad record but on balance he was going to get a pre-sentence report.

He adjourned sentencing until May 4 so that a report could be obtained.