Suspended sentence for Dungiven man convicted of harassing former partner

A Dungiven man has been given a suspended jail sentence after being convicted of a catalogue of offences, including harassment.

Patrick Moore (39), of Dernaflaw Cottages, appeared before Limavady Magistrates Court today (Wednesday), sitting in Coleraine Courthouse, to face five charges against him.

Moore was charged with harassing his former partner between January 2 2022 and September 25 2022.

The defendant was also charged with assaulting a man and damaging a fitness watch belonging to the same person.

Further charges of using disorderly behaviour and failing to provide a specimen of blood were also before the court.

The offences related to an incident which happened at Old School Lane, Dernaflaw on August 20 2022.

The defendant had been due to contest all charges however before the hearing was due to commence he confirmed that he was pleading guilty to all offences except the failure to produce a sample of blood.

When asked to explain his reason for failing to produce a sample of blood when required to do so by police, who were investigating whether or not he had been driving a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, Moore told the court that he has a 'phobia of needles'.

Moore claimed that he has had a phobia of needles since he was born and couldn't give a sample of blood on the date in question due to this condition.

However, the court heard that following Moore's arrest, a doctor had stated that there was 'no medical reason' for the defendant not to give blood.

During cross examination, it was pointed out by the prosecutor that Moore has a tattoo.

Addressing Moore, she told him that his phobia must not be as bad as he had made out as he had got the tattoo, which requires the skin to be pierced with needles.

The judge said he was satisfied that there was an intention to refuse to give blood in an effort to evade a conviction.

Moore was sentenced to five months imprisonment, suspended for one year.

In addition, the judge imposed a restraining order for three years which forbids Moore from using or threatening violence against his former partner and the other injured party in the case.

He is not allowed to intimidate or harass either of the injured parties and isn't allowed within 100 metres of their home.

Moore was also disqualified from driving for one year and was fined £300.