Derry Court: 44-year-old man jailed for neighbour dispute

Paddy Leonard, 21 Jul

Derry Magistrate's Court heard today how an altercation between

neighbours resulted in a man being jailed.

Eamonn Barratt (44) of Clon Elagh in Derry admitted a series of

offences that occurred on October 13 last year.

The court heard that police were called to an ongoing altercation at an

address and were told that the male injured party had been drinking

with the defendant and had fallen asleep.

When he woke an altercation ensued with the defendant accusing him of

stealing his phone.

Barratt followed the injured party back to his own address and an

incident took place involving the mother of the man.

She was pushed by Barratt and almost fell.

Following thus Barratt sent a series of messages threatening to kill

the injured party and saying he would 'get the boys involved'.

When interviewed Barratt said he wasn't serious when he made the

threats. Defence counsel Eoghan Devlin said this was a dispute among

people who had been friends.

Barratt was jailed for 6 months and had a three year restraining order

imposed.