Father of 5-year-old who played knick knock prank on neighbour later threatened the man Derry court told
The father of a five-year-old child who played a knick knock prank on a neighbour went to his neighbour's door and threatened him, Derry Magistrate’s Court has heard.
Lee O'Donnell (28) of Lettershandoney Avenue in Derry admitted assault, threats to kill and threats to damage property in connection with offences which occurred on February 27.
The court heard during the sitting on Friday 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.
The injured party said he didn't know the defendant.
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 had happened.
Sentencing O’Donnell, Deputy District Judge Liam McStay said the defendant's behaviour was 'completely outrageous'.
He added that the behaviour displayed by O’Donnell was also made worse by the fact he had brought his son with him.
He fined O'Donnell £300 and also ordered him to pay £500 in compensation.