Man charged with threat to kill and demanding property with menaces in Donegal

A man charged with making a threat to kill and demanding that another man relinquish ownership of property has appeared in court. 

Patrick Friel was brought before Letterkenny District Court by detectives.

Aged 33 and of Juniper Park, Foyle Springs, Derry, Friel faces two charges. 

Friel was charged that on November 17, 2022, at Applegreen, Burnfoot, he made an unwarranted demand to relinquish ownership of a property named ‘Nessels’ from Frank Larkin with menaces. The charge is contrary to section 17 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act, 1994.

He was also charged with making a threat to kill or cause serious harm, a charge contrary to section 5 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997.

Sergeant Maurice Doyle gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution by way of schedule. Sergeant Doyle said there was no objection to bail as certain conditions had been agreed.

Friel was bailed on his own bond of €1,000, with €500 in cash lodged to the court. He must sign on three times each week at Buncrana Garda Station and provide gardai with a contact number on which he will be contactable 24-7.

Friel surrendered his passport and had to give an undertaking that he would not apply for any travel document. He was ordered to have no contact with the alleged victim or any witnesses in the case.

Mr Sean McGee BL, for McIntyre O’Brien Solicitors, represented Friel in court.

Sergeant Doyle said the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has directed trial on indictment.

Legal aid was granted to Mr Frank Murphy and Mr McGee was assigned as counsel in the matter.

The case was adjourned to Buncrana District Court on February 25 to allow for the preparation of a book of evidence.