Man cleared over axe charge after row in Letterkenny over airline tickets

A man who threatened son with an axe at their home in Letterkenny following a dispute over airline tickets has avoided a conviction.

66-year-old Milan Horvat was before Letterkenny District Court this week over the incident at Parkview Drive, Letterkenny, on August 10, 2022.

Horvat, of Parkview Drive, has been charged that he did, in the course of a dispute, produce in a manner likely unlawfully to intimidate another person, an article capable of inflicting serious injury, to wit, an axe.

When Horvat appeared in July 2023, Judge Éiteáin Cunningham adjourned the matter to see how matters progressed between the parties.

Addressing the court this week, Horvat's solicitor, Mr Patsy Gallagher, said the incident represented 'a family situation during Covid that got out of hand'.

Mr Gallagher said it had 'caused embarrassment to all parties' and asked the court to use its discretion.

A translator was present in court to assist Horvat. Mr Gallagher said his client appreciates the seriousness of the charges and said that 'all matters have been resolved'.

A victim impact statement was not made by the other party.

Noting the reports now available to the court and that matters were resolved, Judge Cunningham spared the accused a conviction.

At a previous court sitting, Sergeant Jim Collins said that gardai were called to Parkview Drive at 3.54pm on the day in question.

An argument had taken place between Horvat and his son over airline tickets. Horvat became very aggressive and went to the garage to get an axe.

Horvat subsequently held the axe high and was waving it at his son. He attempted to get into the house with the axe, but was stopped.

Sergeant Collins said an axe was retrieved by gardai. When questioned, Horvat said he had the axe for chopping wood.

Mr Gallagher this incident took place after the Covid-19 lockdown and this was due to be the parties’ first time flying to their home country since.

Mr Gallagher said Horvat no longer resides with the family.