Man jailed for making death threat in court

A burglar has been given an extra two months behind bars after making a death threat in court.

Matthew Lafferty (22), from Donegal, is serving a five year sentence for an aggravated burglary at a home in Co Mayo in which he terrorised an elderly couple. His conviction followed his arrest her for terrorising a pensioner near Kilmacrennan.

Garda Brendan McMahon told Letterkenny District Court that during a court appearance on September 9th last year, had witnessed the threat.

“It was at 10.45am and Mr Lafferty was seen holding his hand up and making a cut throat gesture in the direction of a Mr Dean Kelly. He could also be seen mouthing words ‘I’m going to kill you’.

Lafferty, formerly of Ballykeeran, Kilmacrennan and now with an address at Castlerea Prison, admitted one charge of threatening behavior in a public place.

“Mr Lafferty is no stranger to the court and to yourself,” defence solicitor Patsy Gallagher told Judge Paul Kelly.

“He is now 22 and he has spent a considerable period of his life in custody, mainly due to his savage drugs and drinks addiction.”

Mr Gallagher said Lafferty had a “very short fuse” but was making progress in prison and was now drugs free.

“There is no defence on this charge - it was done in full view of everybody. He has a substantial criminal record at this stage; and work is under way to prevent it getting any longer when he gets out. We are on the right track.”

Judge Kelly jailed Lafferty for another two months.