Derry man who threatened to burn mother and sister's home and cut their throats jailed

A man has been jailed at Derry Magistrate's Court today for threatening to burn his mother and sister's home and cut their throat.

Gareth Robert McClurg (32) of Spencer Road in Derry admitted two charges of threats to damage property on April 14 and 15 this year.

He also admitted two charges of abusing the public electronic network and one charge of assault on police again on the same dates.

A prosecution barrister told the court that police received a report that McClurg had made threats against both his mother and sister. 

He told his sister he would burn her house down and 'slash her throat'.

The defendant asked for money that he claimed he was owed and his threats left his sister fearing for her safety and that of her daughter. 

The defendant's mother also said she had received similar threats again over money.

When police went to arrest McClurg he struggled with them and struck an officer. 

A defence barrister said that McClurg had made full admissions and had 'put his hands up to the situation.'

He said that the defendant now wanted to reconcile with his family and both the mother and sister had made withdrawal statements. 

McClurg was sentenced to four months in prison.