Enniskillen Courthouse
A 29-year-old man who burst into a woman’s house demanding a cup of tea later made threats to kill her and her friends.
In the case heard at Fermanagh Magistrates Court the prosecutor outlined that on May 22, 2014 police received a report that Kevin Crudden, of Main Street, Lisnaskea, had entered the injured party’s house.
Crudden knocked on her door and when she opened it he pushed past her to enter and was shouting at her, asking for a cup of tea.
The injured party made a phone call to friends for assistance. A number of others went to the house and then left along with the injured party as the defendant was verbally abusive. Crudden followed them and continued to shout abuse at them, before saying: “I will give you a reason to phone the cops, I will kill you all.”
Crudden was later arrested at Carrowshee Park in Lisnaskea and replied: “That’s OK.” He was transferred to Enniskillen police station where he was deemed by officers unfit for interview due to his high level of intoxication.
The following morning Crudden made no comment during interview. He denied knowing the injured party. It was explained that two of the complainants live in Carrowshee Park, the home of the defendant’s mother and there were ongoing concerns regarding Crudden’s behaviour.
A restraining order was issued against Crudden against four people involved in the incident, including the injured party.
Defence barrister Stephen Mooney stated that Crudden was a man with no previous criminal convictions and stated that the more serious charge of threats to kill had been withdrawn.
He asked for credit for Crudden’s guilty plea to common assault at the first opportunity and some credit for his plea to disorderly behaviour.
The defence highlighted to the court Crudden had spent approximately 11 or 12 days in detention, the equivalent of 20 days in custody.
In regards to the assault the barrister told the court this involved a push and said there was “not a degree of significant violence” present. He added there were no racist or sectarian motives behind the attack and said Crudden wished to put the matter behind him as soon as possible.
“This on the face of it is an extremely serious matter,” remarked District Judge Nigel Broderick.
He however noted that the charges against Crudden were no longer as serious as originally listed. The judge acknowledged the defendant’s clear record, but decided to leave something hanging over him.
He imposed a conditional discharge, but told Crudden this was not to be seen as a lenient sentence. “I want something hanging over your head to prevent any re-offending of this behaviour,” he added.
The restraint order for the four individuals was imposed for a period of 12 months, with the judge warning Crudden any breach could land him a prison sentence.
To read more.. Subscribe to current edition
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere