Suspended sentence for Derry man who told his wife it would be her last Christmas
John Moore (59) of Brewsters Close in Derry was charged the offences that occurred on October 13 last year
A man has appeared at Derry Magistrate's Court charged with making threats to kill, two counts of assault, two counts of making threats to damage property, threatening or abusive behavior and attempted criminal damage.
John Moore (59) of Brewsters Close in Derry was charged the offences that occurred on October 13 last year.
Police were called by Moore's wife after he had made a number of threats, including telling her that it would be her last Christmas and mentioning petrol bombs.
He also threw a knife handle at her after using the knife to damage a shower. The handle missed but Moore told his wife that she 'didn't exist' to him.
He was also charged with threatening his son after his son accidently knocked over a lamp.
Moore told his son that his blood would be flowing and raised his hand as if to hit him.
He then threatened to cut his own wrists.
Moore's wife told police that, following a stroke five years ago, he has got 'two personalities' and Moore admitted to most of the charges when questioned by police.
Defence Barrister Michael Donaghy said that this is a case with 'a very sad background', telling the court that Moore is fifty-nine years old with no previous convictions.
He said that a 'mental health episode occured' and that he is aware that his behaviour was 'unforgivable' but added that the assault was only a technical assault.
He also said that Moore is currently seeking help for his mental health issues.
District Judge Oonagh Mullan sentenced him to nine months in custody, suspended for two years.