Man threatened to burn down woman's house
Waterford Courthouse.
A man threatened to burn down a woman's home after accusing her of "calling the Council" on him.
Ryan Hawe, of 16 Ashgrove, Slieverue, Co. Kilkenny, threatened to kill his neighbours on August 13 last year.
Hawe (25) appeared in Waterford District Court before Judge Catriona Murray this week on charges related to violent threats.
According to Garda Conor Byrne, Hawe approached the woman outside her home in an aggressive manner and began making threats against her and her family.
He said that he would "burn them out of their house" and that he would kill her husband, shouting: "The next time you call the Council on me I'll punch the brains out of you and him."
In court, Hawe brought a letter of apology for the victim and her husband, writing that he was "truly sorry" for the threats made and the fear and distress caused.
Solicitor Ken Cunningham told the court that at the time of the offence, Hawe had a "misguided view" that the victims had called the council over the "motorcar business" he ran from his home.
Mr. Cunningham said his client had no previous convictions for assault or criminal damage. He said that Hawe would be an appropriate candidate for a Section 99 sentence, whereby he would keep the peace and be of good behaviour for a period, in lieu of a custodial sentence.
According to Sergeant John Phelan, the victims "just want to be left alone".
Judge Catriona Murray imposed a 12-month sentence, fully suspended.
