Man wearing ‘monkey mask’ made threats to kill

A TYRONE couple were subjected to a ‘terrifying experience’ when a man wearing a monkey mask turned up at their home making threats to kill, a court was told.

Gerard Duffin of Shanroy Park, Pomeroy received a probation order for the incident when he appeared before Dungannon Magistrates Court (sitting in Omagh) on Friday.

The 44-year-old was charged with making threats to kill, disorderly behaviour and resisting police.

The court was told that on January 23, police were dispatched to a disturbance at Burnvale Crescent, Cookstown.

The victims had claimed that a man wearing a red coat and a ‘monkey mask’ was banging on their door and threatening to kill them.

Police arrived and located the defendant, identified as Duffin, and asked him to help with their enquiries.

Resisted arrest

He refused, and when police attempted to arrest Duffin he resisted, resulting in the use of pepper spray.

The officers then questioned the victims, who further claimed that Duffin had a gun.

Searches were carried out for the alleged weapon but nothing was found.

Defence counsel, Michael Wilson told the court that Duffin immediately apologised and made full admissions at police interview, stating he thought he was at his cousin’s house.

Mr Wilson added that in 2013, the defendant was a victim of a serious road traffic collision which left him with ‘complex brain injuries’, which has led to difficulties with his mental health.

On the night in question, Mr Wilson stated that Duffin had been drinking alcohol, which had mixed with medication.

Passing sentence, Deputy district judge Sean O’Hare told the defendant, “This was terrifying for the occupants of the house. I understand your difficulties but it was ultimately your choice to mix alcohol with your medication.”

Judge O’Hare granted an 18-month probation order with the condition that Duffin attends all medical appointments and programmes of work.