Derry man claims 'sinister' chainsaw and 'murder' note on doorstep was a joke
48-year-old admits threatening and abusive behavior after leaving a chainsaw outside a long-term friend's family home
Derry Magistrate's Court heard today how a man left a chainsaw on a doorstep with a note saying 'murder' in what he told police was a joke.
Alan Paul Luukas (48) of Foyle Park in Derry admitted threatening and abusive behaviour on March 14 this year.
The court heard that at 2.25pm on that date the complainant was in her home and heard someone at the door.
She opened the door and found a chainsaw on the doorstep along with a notes aging 'murder'.
The woman immediately felt fear that someone was coming to the house to cause harm and contacted her children.
The woman was reported to be anxious over what she saw as 'a direct threat.
Luukas was identified as being the culprit and arrested.
Defence counsel Stephen Mooney said that there was 'no vendetta' or the like in this case and Luukas was actually a long term friend of the son of the injured party.
He added that his client thought it would 'it would be a joke' to leave a chainsaw and a note with 'sinister phraseology'.
The barrister said that his client was 'appalled' at the anxiety his 'prank' had caused.
He said that it was not his client's intention for anyone to fear they would be killed.
Deputy District Judge John Rea said that the so called prank showed the lack of empathy Luukas had demonstrated at something that had caused 'great upset and distress'.
Luukas was imprisoned for six months suspended for two years and a Restraining Order was also imposed for the same period.