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10 Feb 2026
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10 Feb 2026
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Derry Magistrate's Court
A man has been given a suspended sentence at Derry Magistrate's Court for improper use of public communications network after sending his then-ex girlfriend threatening text messages.
Niall McGowan (37) of Stoneburn Place in Derry was charged with the offence that occurred between March 1 and 2 2024 after the injured party reported that she had been receiving text messages accusing her of stealing a caravan.
The messages were said to have grown increasingly threatening and aggressive, including telling her that she was told that she would not be safe in Derry.
McGowan admitted to sending the messages but said that he did not mean to be threatening, telling police he was heavily intoxicated at the time.
Defence solicitor Seamus Quigley said that the injured party refused to give evidence against McGowan and that the case was based on his own admissions to police.
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He added that McGowan and the injured party are back together and have a young son together, telling the court that this was simply a case demonstrating why 'nobody should be allowed a phone late at night' and when they're drunk.
He was sentenced to four months in custody, suspended for two years.
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