Man jailed for threatening to kill his family

James Doherty, 30, of Capall Court in Derry, was sentenced at Bishop Street courthouse in the city

A man who threatened to kill his mother, father, and brother in Londonderry has been jailed for six months.

James Doherty, 30, of Capall Court in Derry, was also charged with criminal damage after police were called to a disturbance in August.

Londonderry Magistrates' Court was told that Doherty's brother had called 999 and reported that Doherty was threatening to kill him and their parents.

He had also damaged the ceiling and smashed windows, before taking his mother's phone and leaving, then later returning the phone and making further threats to his family.

'Clearly distressing'

The court was told that Doherty gave no comment answers when interviewed by police about the incident.

His solicitor described the situation as "unfortunate," and said it stemmed from an argument about money between Doherty and his brother.

The lawyer said Doherty had admitted to "going about things the wrong way" and acknowledged that the incident was "clearly distressing."

Mr Quigley added that bridges had since been rebuilt and that the family were not seeking a restraining order.

On top of the six months in custody, Doherty was ordered to pay £120 in compensation for the damage to the windows.