Jailed for breach of court orders

Paul Oliver Heaney (51), Cafolla Gardens, Lurgan, appeared by way of videolink from Maghaberry prison.

He pleaded guilty to breaches of a non molestation order in April and May of this year, four of which happened in Church Walk and one in High Street, Lurgan.

Heaney also pleaded guilty to making a threat to kill a female on April 14, making nuisance calls and harassment, all to the same injured party.

For each of these offences he was sentenced to three months in custody.

Further guilty pleas were recorded for breach of a non molestation order on June 17 at Church Walk and harassment between June 16 and June 19 of the same injured party.

For these offences Heaney was given concurrent five month terms.

The court heard that the defendant had called at the home of his ex-partner and threatened her.

He continued to breach non molestation orders by shouting at her through the letter box, shouting at her while walking past her front door and making phone calls.

In June the victim received calls from an unidentified number but during the calls the defendant identified himself.

A barrister for Heaney said the injured party was the subject of a live prosecution concerning harassment.

He added that the defendant had received a text from the injured party saying ‘if you don’t come and see me I’m going to ring the police’.

The lawyer said there was a letter concerning a loan which Heaney had taken out on the injured party’s part.

He added that Heaney should not have been at her house and had accepted that in the pre-sentence report.

The lawyer said an immediate sentence had to be imposed because breaches of court orders could not be tolerated.

Heaney had been in custody on the matter for ten weeks and would be released on time served.

Deputy District Judge Amanda Brady told Heaney that if he breached court orders again then his sentences would keep going up and up.