A Tassagh man who threatened to burn down another man’s home has been handed a conditional discharge.
Court heard the incident arose after the 43-year-old’s relationship with the injured party – who is married to his sister – deteriorated.
Edward Oliver Coyle, of Tullybrone Road, pleaded guilty to threats to damage property and attempted criminal damage at Armagh Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.
Prosecution outlined that the July 7, the defendant attempted to kick the door of a property on the Killyfaddy Road in Tassagh.
Coyle had an interaction with the male owner of the property, in the presence of a woman and her children.
The defendant told the injured party: “I am going to burn your house down”.
When police arrived, the woman and her children looked fearful, the court heard.
It was noted by officers that Coyle was under the influence of alcohol at the time.
During interview at Banbridge station, the defendant said that it was a prank that went wrong. He said the whole incident was a bit of a blur and he could not remember why he did it.
Defence barrister Seamus Lannon stated: “The defendant is remorseful for his actions on that day; it arose out of a deteriorating relationship with the male injured party but there has been nothing since.
“The injured party is married to this man’s sister but he no longer resides at this property and Mr Coyle has no axe to grind with this female.”
He added: “He has helped the injured party throughout his life and is deeply remorseful that he has got himself in this situation.”
Deputy District Judge Liam McStay said: “This arose out of a deterioration of a relationship with another male, who no longer resides at this property.”
Coyle was handed a conditional discharge for two years, a restraining order was also put in place with regards to the female injured party and her children.
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