Waterford men jailed for threatening father with arson over drug debt owed by son
The men targeted a father over his son's drug debt.
Two Waterford men have been imprisoned for threatening a father over a drug debt owed by his son.
Darren Cummins, of Knockenpower, Ring, Dungarvan, and Michael Keenan, of 6 An Cluain, Youghal Road, Dungarvan, appeared before Judge Eugene O’Kelly at Waterford Circuit Court this month for sentencing.
Cummins (43) pleaded guilty to one count of demanding money with menaces on a date between November 15, 2022, and January 15, 2023.
Cummins also pleaded guilty to possessing €13,388 worth of cocaine with intent to sell.
On a certain date, Cummins entered the grounds of a property in West Waterford and confronted the father of a man who 'owed' him €2,000. Cummins told the father: "If you don't pay us by the morning I'll send some other fellas and burn your house down."
Terrified, the father withdrew money from the local Credit Union and gave it to Cummins. Cummins said to him: "You won't hear from us again." The victim installed CCTV camera around his home after the incident.
However, in March 2024 the father began receiving harassment from Michael Keenan. Keenan began coming by his home and place of work, claiming that his son owed him €1,300.
Keenan threatened the victim for money and made a threat to damage his property on July 24, 2024. The defendant was in the company of other men, including Cummins. Keenan told the victim: "The Dublin boys are outside waiting for their money."
The victim went to the Gardaí and reported Keenan. In October 2024, Keenan was seen following the victim around Dungarvan, to his home and place of work, making shooting gestures with his hands.
In Court, Judge O'Kelly called the crimes "one of the most sinister aspects of Irish society". Cummins received a three-year sentence for making demands for money and threatening to damage property and a subsequent two years for possession of drugs with intent to sell. Keenan was sentenced to two and a half years in prison.
