Derry man handed two-year Restraining Order over abusive comment to neighbour

A man who shouted an abusive remark at a neighbour has been given a suspended sentence and a Restraining Order at Derry Magistrate's Court today.

Ryan Welch (51) of St Brecan's Park in Derry admitted one count of threatening or abusive behaviour on March 22 this year.

The court heard that at 12.30pm on that date the victim was outside her own address talking to a neighbour.

Welch then shouted out a window towards stating 'stay away from her. She is a crazy b-----d she should be dead'.

The defendant was arrested and an application was made for a Restraining Order.

Defence counsel Sean Doherty said it was 'one abusive comment' and he had no issue with the Restraining Order.

He said his client accepted his behaviour was abusive and regrets it.

The barrister said that this was an issue between neighbours that had seen allegations and counter allegations.

Deputy District Judge Sean O'Hare said this was 'unnecessary behaviour' and sentenced Welch to three months in prison suspended for two years.

He also imposed a Restraining Order for a period of two years.