Man in court after telling woman in Ballybofey he could kill her without anyone knowing

A man has appeared in court after telling a woman in Ballybofey that he could kill her and no-one would know.

Marcis Cigurs appeared at Letterkenny District Court charged with making threats to the woman at an apartment on Chestnut Road, Ballybofey on November 15, 2021.

The woman and a friend had returned to Cigurs' apartment for a party after they were out socialising.

Cigurs, a 37-year-old Latvian national, has been living and working in the area for some time, the court heard.

At 8am, when her friend had left, Cigurs made the remark to the woman, leaving her in fear.

She phoned a friend and made a complaint to Gardai who said she was "visibly upset and shaking."

Cigurs was arrested and admitted saying this to the woman but was apologetic.

The court was told the accused has no previous convictions.

His solicitor Donough Cleary said his client said he had met the woman in a bar and was still drunk the following morning when he made the remark.

He said the words used could have been interpreted in a different way and that there was no intent to carry out anything.

He added that his client had issues with alcohol and that every day is a new day for him and that he has stayed out of trouble and has been alcohol free since this incident.

However, Judge Éiteáin Cunningham said this must have been a "very frightening experience" for the woman.

Judge Cunningham has for a Victim Impact Statement to be sought from the woman, as well as a Probation Report on Cigurs and adjourned the case until February 20th next.