Derry father fined for threatening to kill neighbour over child prank

Derry Magistrate's Court heard today how after a 5-year-old child played a prank on a neighbour his father went to his neighbour's door and threatened him. 

Lee O'Donnell (28) of Lettershendony Avenue in Derry admitted assaulting, threats to kill and threats to damage property offences that occured on February 27.

The court was told that the defendant was told by his partner that their 5-year-old had been sworn at by a neighbour. 

O'Donnell went to the house and when the neighbour answered he pushed him, slapped him and threatened to kill him.

The court was told the man had brought his son with him and the child said 'stop daddy' during the incident.

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The injured party said he didn't know the defendant and they didn't believe the offences were linked to his ethnicity. 

The incident was de-escalated by the victim's wife and O'Donnell was said to be 'embarrassed and mortified' and had no intention of carrying out the threats.

Defence solicitor Seamus Quigley said that the injured party comes out of this incident with  'a large amount of credit' in terms of restraint and commonsense. 

He said the incident stemmed from a child playing 'knick knock' and then telling a fib about what happened. 

Deputy District Judge Liam McStay said the defendant's behaviour was 'completely outrageous' and made worse by tge fact he had brought his son with him.

He fined O'Donnell £300 and ordered him to pay £500 in compensation.