A Newry man who made a 999 call, in which he stated he was going to kill his neighbour, must wait until next month to learn his fate.
The 29-year-old’s barrister told court that his client had no previous issues with the neighbour and that his “underlying problem” was with alcohol.
Anthony Meehan, of Sandy Street, pleaded guilty to resisting police, causing a breach of the peace and criminal damage at the city’s Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
Prosecution outlined how on July 31, of this year, police attended the home of the defendant following a 999 call in which he claimed he was going to kill his neighbour.
Upon arrival, Meehan was verbally hostile towards officers and told them that as soon as they left he was going to kill his neighbour.
The defendant was prevented from leaving by police and he was eventually handcuffed but refused to cooperate with his arrest.
Whilst being taken into custody, Meehan spat in the rear of the cell van multiple times leaving it requiring a deep clean.
Defence barrister Kevin O’Hare stated that it had been recognised that there was no real threat on the neighbour commenting that if this had been the case police were the last people his client would have contacted.
He continued stating that the defendant had no previous issues with the neighbour and that his “underlying problem” was with alcohol.
Mr O’Hare informed court that Meehan was engaging with counselling services in order to address this issue. He asked that his client was given credit for his early plea and lack of relevant record.
District Judge Eamon King stated he still had concerns regarding the facts of the case and the defendant’s problems with alcohol, adding that he preferred to have a presentence report.
The case was adjourned until October 20 for sentencing.
