Derry Court: Threat to kill 'misunderstanding' due to language barrier

A Ukrainian national charged with threats to kill told police that it was due to a 'misunderstanding' because of the language barrier Derry Magistrate's Court heard today.

Petr Sviekh Suiiekkh (27) whose address was at Strand Road in Derry but is now at University Street in Belfast appeared charged with making a threat to kill against a man on August 31 2023.

When the charge was put to him through an interpreter the defendant said he was not guilty. 

Defence solicitor Seamus Quigley said the most significant passage in his interview was when he told police that it was a misunderstanding 'as his English wasn't good.'

The solicitor said his client had said he was referring to the fact that Covid could kill as he had Covid at the time. 

District Judge Barney McElholm said that it looked to be a 'relatively straightforward' matter. 

The court heard that a full file would be required in the case and it was adjourned until November 1.