Derry Court: Man given suspended sentence for 'a drunken rant' and threatening to burn car

A man has been given a suspended sentence at Derry Magistrate's Court today for threatening to burn the car of a staff member at a local hostel.

James Logan (32) of Crawford Square in Derry admitted a charge of threatening to damage property on September 1 last.

He also admitted possessing a quantity of cocaine on October 2.

The court heard that the defendant was in the forecourt of a hostel in Crawford Square and was 'making a scene'.

A member of staff spoke to him and he threatened to get a an of petrol and set fire to his car.

This was Logan's bail address and was subsequently withdrawn.

Police were seeking to talk to the defendant but it was not until October 2 before he was located in a flat in the city.

When he was searched a quantity of cocaine was found on his person.

Logan made no comment to either of the charges.

Defence solicitor Derwin Harvey said his client was originally from Scotland and had come here for 'a fresh start'.

He said he found himself homeless and on the night in question he was intoxicated and the threat was just 'a drunken rant' with no intention of following through.

Deputy District Judge Laura Ievers said that the charge was of some concern to the court.

She sentenced Logan to 5 months in prison suspended 3 years.