A contest has been avoided in what was described as a “distasteful” instance of a home invasion followed by shocking commentary against police including, “any wonder that cop got shot; they should have shot him to death and raped his children”.
Thomas Mulgrew, whose address was given as Maghaberry Prison, changed his plea just as a contest was to get underway at Dungannon Magistrates’ Court and the victims were in attendance to give evidence.
The 31-year-old admitted assaulting the two female occupants of the property, using disorderly behaviour, assaulting police, resisting arrest and damaging a PSNI vehicle.
While the case was making its way through court Mulgrew was prosecuted for other unrelated matters and, several months ago, was jailed for five years, two of which will be served in custody and the remainder on licence.
The court heard at around 11.15pm on March 4, 2023 police were called to the Earls Court area of Dungannon after Mulgrew entered the victims’ home and walked upstairs.
He was threatening and abusive, shouting, “You owe me £40 for drugs you filthy tramp”.
The victims tried to usher him out, but he squared up to them, and they feared he would strike them.
He left but not before shouting, “You’ll know all about this you tramp.”
Around 15 minutes later the victims heard him shouting, “get out of the house”.
While speaking to police one victim observed Mulgrew and pointed him out at which point he fled on foot.
When detained, he thrashed about violently and repeatedly shouted obscenities toward officers including, “I hope your child dies of cancer. I hope your mum dies of cancer. You’re a dirty paedophile. I hope your child is raped. I’ll take your head off your shoulders you black b*****ds. Any wonder that cop got shot. They should have shot him to death and raped his children”.
While being transported to custody Mulgrew spat multiple times in the police vehicle.
He answered no comment to all questions during interview.
A defence barrister said Mulgrew “went through a very turbulent time in 2023 with a drug and drink problem, however, since being jailed he has got significant help. He wants to put all this behind him. It was a very distasteful incident and he apologies to everyone involved.”
Addressing Mulgrew directly, District Judge Peter Magill, said: “These were indeed very distasteful offences and the comments you made were appalling. However, you are entitled to credit for pleading guilty. You are currently serving a significant sentence with an earliest release date of May 2026. It would be inappropriate to add to the length of that sentence. It’s the only hope you have of putting this behind you.”
He jailed Mulgrew for three months to be served concurrently with his current sentence.
