A Portadown man who told police that he was going to cut the throat of an officer and that he had only shot Fenians has been sentenced to six months in prison.
Court heard the 60-year-old also made threatening calls to his ex-partner in which he referred to her as a “whore” and claimed she had a sexually transmitted disease.
Thomas Edward Finn, of Crawford Park, pleaded guilty to disorderly behaviour, threats to kill and improper use of communications to cause anxiety at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Friday, appearing via videolink from Maghaberry.
It was heard that these offences referred to two separate incidents which occurred earlier this year.
On February 28, police were tasked to an address in Crawford Park, Portadown, with the call being made by the defendant.
When officers arrived they found Finn on the footpath outside the property.
Upon approaching the defendant he began verbally abusing police.
They noted Finn smelled strongly of intoxicating liquor, was unsteady on his feet and had slurred speech.
Police tried to conduct enquiries but the defendant repeatedly told them: “F*** off, I am going to get you f****** sacked”.
Finn was warned on numerous occasions about his language but continued to use profanity.
It was heard the defendant told police: “I’ve never shot a policeman just Fenians.”
He then pointed at one officer and said: “I am going to cut his f****** throat. I am going to shoot him dead.”
On March 12, police received a report from Finn’s ex-partner who claimed the defendant had left a number of voicemails on her phone.
Finn left nine in total over a three hour period. The injured party claimed she had told the defendant that the relationship was over and that she did not wish to speak to him.
It was heard the calls increased with hostility. In them, Finn referred to the injured party as a whore and stated that she had a sexually transmitted disease.
The defendant was later arrested. During interview the voicemails were played to him in which he threatened to kill himself and referred to the injured party as a drug addict.
Defence barrister Joel Lindsay stated: “This man is a severe alcoholic but this is no excuse. She was his partner. On the night of the disorderly behaviour he saw her and fell out.
“He had gone home to find his flatmate taking drugs, Mr Finn was threatened with a knife and that is when he contacted police.”
He continued: “However, whilst awaiting police arrival he consumed more alcohol and that led to his behaviour.”
Mr Lindsay explained that whilst Finn was in custody his ex-partner had sent a message saying the relationship was over but the defendant did not receive this.
He stated: “He did not know it was over, the initial messages were about the whereabouts of the injured party but he took drink and those messages got worse with the horrible things he says.
“This has been the best thing for him, whilst in custody, he has remained dry. He used to be high up in the fisheries until alcohol took over.”
District Judge Bernie Kelly said: “Given that you are currently on remand there is no point in me ordering a pre-sentence report. I am certifying this as so serious there is only one penalty I can impose.”
Finn was sentenced to six months in prison for the offences and was handed a two-year restraining order in relation to his ex-partner.
