A court has heard that a man left a chainsaw along with a note reading “murder” on the doorstep of a house in Derry, later claiming the incident was intended as a practical joke.
The case was heard at Derry Magistrates’ Court, where details of the incident were outlined.
The court heard that the chainsaw and note were discovered outside the property, causing alarm for the occupant who found the items.
Police from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) were contacted following the discovery and launched an investigation into the circumstances.
The presence of a chainsaw alongside a note referencing “murder” was treated seriously by officers due to the potential threat implied.
During proceedings, the court was told that the defendant later claimed the act had been intended as a joke rather than a genuine threat.
However, the prosecution outlined how the incident caused fear and concern for the person living at the address.
Incidents involving threatening behaviour or items left at homes are treated seriously by the courts, particularly where they cause distress to victims.
The court considered the circumstances of the case, including the nature of the items involved and the impact on the occupant.
Details of sentencing or further court decisions were not outlined during the hearing.
The case highlights how actions presented as jokes can still be considered serious offences if they cause alarm or distress.
Proceedings in the case have concluded at Derry Magistrates’ Court.
An overnight attack on a home in the Creggan area of Derry has been strongly condemned, with a local councillor warning of growing anger within the community.
The incident occurred at a property in Creevagh Heights, where damage was caused to the house during what has been described as a targeted attack.
Police from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) are understood to be investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
No serious injuries have been reported, but the attack has left residents shaken.
Local Derry City and Strabane District Council councillor Emma McGinley condemned the incident, describing it as deeply concerning for the local area.
She said there is “a real sense of anger in the local community that those responsible feel they can carry out this violence with impunity.”
Cllr McGinley said incidents of this nature cause significant fear and disruption for families, particularly when homes are targeted.
She called for those responsible to be brought to justice and urged anyone with information to come forward.
The Creggan area has previously experienced incidents of disorder and violence, and community representatives have repeatedly highlighted the need for calm and stability.
Residents in Creevagh Heights have been left concerned following the overnight attack, with many expressing frustration over ongoing incidents in the area.
Police enquiries are ongoing as officers work to establish what happened and identify those responsible.
Councillors in Derry have warned that funding announced by the British government for households reliant on home heating oil “doesn’t even touch the surface” of the financial pressures facing families.
The criticism comes after support measures were outlined to help households cope with rising energy costs, particularly in areas where homes depend on oil rather than mains gas.
Elected representatives in Derry said many households across Northern Ireland/The North continue to struggle with the cost of heating, especially during colder months when demand increases.
They argued that the level of financial support being provided falls far short of what is required to meet the scale of the problem.
Heating oil is widely used across rural and urban areas in Northern Ireland/The North, leaving many households exposed to fluctuating global oil prices.
Councillors said recent price increases have placed significant strain on family budgets, with some households forced to limit heating use or delay refilling oil tanks.
Speaking about the issue, councillors warned that current support packages are insufficient to provide meaningful relief.
They said the funding “doesn’t even touch the surface” of the costs people are now facing, particularly those on low incomes or fixed budgets.
The issue has become a major concern for many residents, with community representatives reporting growing levels of hardship linked to energy costs.
Calls have been made for additional financial support measures to better reflect the realities faced by households dependent on oil heating.
Energy affordability remains a key political issue across Northern Ireland/The North, with pressure mounting on governments to address rising costs.
Councillors have urged further action to ensure vulnerable households are adequately supported as energy prices continue to fluctuate.
Campaigners from Foyle Search and Rescue, PIPS Suicide Prevention Charity, and Rural Support gathered at Stormont on Wednesday to advocate for increased funding for a mental health strategy in Northern Ireland/The North. The event coincided with a meeting of the All-Ministerial Group on Mental Wellbeing, Resilience, and Suicide Prevention, highlighting the urgent need for action in this area.
Representatives at the gathering emphasized that their collective voices represented more than 6,500 individuals who are affected by mental health issues across Northern Ireland/The North. The campaigners delivered a clear message to government officials, urging them to prioritize mental health funding and implement effective strategies to address the growing concerns surrounding mental wellbeing in the region.
The call for action comes amid ongoing discussions about mental health services in Northern Ireland/The North, which have faced challenges in terms of accessibility and funding. The campaigners underscored the importance of government commitment to mental health initiatives, particularly in light of the rising rates of mental health issues and suicide in the community. They expressed hope that the meeting would lead to concrete steps towards improving mental health support for those in need.
As the discussions continue, the focus remains on ensuring that mental health is treated with the same urgency as physical health, with advocates urging policymakers to take decisive action to support vulnerable populations. The gathering at Stormont serves as a reminder of the critical need for sustained investment in mental health services in Northern Ireland/The North.
The boxing community in Derry and Donegal is mourning the death of Tommy Stewart, a notable figure in the sport known for his extensive contributions as a coach and as a founding member of the Rainey Boxing Club. Stewart’s influence was significant in nurturing young talent and promoting boxing throughout Northern Ireland/The North, making him a respected figure in the region.
In recognition of his dedication to the sport, Stewart was awarded honorary life membership of the Ulster Boxing Council in September 2017. This honor reflects the high regard in which he was held by his peers and the impact he had on the boxing community, particularly in Derry, where he was a familiar and respected presence.
Following the news of his passing, tributes have poured in from fellow coaches, athletes, and members of the boxing community. Many have expressed their condolences and shared fond memories of Stewart’s contributions to the sport. His legacy is expected to endure through the numerous boxers he trained and mentored, underscoring the vital role he played in the development of boxing in Northern Ireland/The North.
Stewart’s commitment to the sport and his community has left a lasting impression, and his contributions will be remembered by those who had the privilege of knowing him and learning from his expertise. The impact of his work is likely to resonate for years to come, as the boxers he trained continue to represent Northern Ireland/The North in the sport.
Age NI has issued a call to action for older residents in Derry and the wider Strabane District, urging them to assess their eligibility for Pension Credit and other potential benefits. This appeal comes in light of rising fuel prices, which have placed additional financial strain on many pensioners in Northern Ireland/The North.
The charity emphasizes the importance of ensuring that older individuals are aware of the financial support available to them. Many may not realize they qualify for Pension Credit, which can provide essential income top-ups. Age NI is encouraging pensioners to take proactive steps in checking their benefit entitlements to alleviate some of the financial pressures they may be facing.
As fuel costs continue to escalate, the need for financial assistance becomes more pressing. Age NI’s initiative aims to help older residents navigate the benefits system, ensuring they receive the support they are entitled to. The charity’s outreach efforts are focused on raising awareness and providing guidance to those who may be unaware of their options.
In addition to Pension Credit, there may be other benefits available that can assist older individuals in managing their living expenses. Age NI is committed to supporting the elderly community in Northern Ireland/The North, particularly during challenging economic times.
Residents in Derry and Strabane are encouraged to reach out to Age NI for more information on how to check their eligibility for these vital benefits. The charity’s efforts reflect a broader commitment to improving the quality of life for older people in the region, especially as they face increasing costs of living.
A 38-year-old man from Derry has been sentenced to eight years in prison for his role in a series of pipe bomb attacks in the Waterside area of the city. Noel Logan was sentenced at Laganside Crown Court, where the court reviewed incidents that occurred between 2017 and 2019. The attacks involved the placement and detonation of pipe bombs outside residential properties, which raised significant concerns regarding public safety in the local community.
During the court proceedings, details were presented that underscored the serious nature of the offenses. The explosions posed a considerable risk to residents and highlighted the potential for harm in the vicinity of the attacks. The judicial response to Logan’s actions reflects the legal system’s commitment to addressing violent crimes and ensuring the safety of communities in Northern Ireland/The North.
Logan’s sentencing is part of ongoing efforts by authorities to combat paramilitary activity and related violence in the region. The case serves as a reminder of the challenges that persist in maintaining public safety and security. Local law enforcement continues to emphasize the importance of vigilance against similar threats to ensure that communities remain safe from such violent acts.
The judicial outcome in this case is indicative of the broader strategy to hold individuals accountable for actions that endanger public safety. Authorities are dedicated to addressing the underlying issues that contribute to such violence, reinforcing the message that such behavior will not be tolerated in Northern Ireland/The North.
By Kathryn Guest Contributor – ATL Commentators Corner
This weekend begins the countdown to the special day for the Irish in America. A day that I’ve heard began in 1790 in America, but also that a great celebration of this day began in Ireland. A day that showed the honor the Irish Americans have always held and for the Irish people and the beautiful Island where they live.
I’m an American citizen with an obsession for Irish History, particularly the history of the 30 year conflict often called The Troubles. I apologize that I am pretty ignorant when it comes to how the celebration of St. Patrick’s day came to be one of huge parades and close to one million observers in Dublin, and more in New York and Boston. However, there has been the lovely tradition of having a White House celebration that allowed leaders from your countries to talk to American leaders and have a meeting of the minds on what best serves Irish, British, and American policy I admit that I am an American citizen who came home from my trip to Ireland in 2024 to make sure that my vote against Donald Trump was counted in that election. I am not a fan of Donald Trump and given that I think what he has done to our country is worse than I imagined it could be, I wish I had stayed there. I’m not a fan of our current president (and I so hate to word it that way), but aside from my views as an American, I wish that leaders such as Emma Little Pengally and Taoiseach Micheal Martin had followed Sinn Fein’s example and refused the invitation to the White House for this special day This is a day for the Irish people, and should be a day of respect for the Irish people by Americans and others. Most importantly a sincere atmosphere of respect should take place between Irish and American leaders. I do not believe Donald Trump will show that respect for the Taoiseach and the Deputy first Minister. So let us look at Mr. trump’s record.
First the Trump administration has shown its lack of love for the Irish for making every effort to subjugate those not born in the United States to a subhuman status. We have heard of the case of Seamus Culletin, an Irishman, with a job in Boston and an American wife, who has been in ICE detention for six months. iCE claims that there are only five or sux cases exist involving the Irish. If this were the case each case of Irish immigrants in detention was in the headlines. Statistically it is unlikely that each case involving one group, would have its own headlines. Most cases simply go under the radar. ICE , the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency in the USA, has some professional agents no doubt, yet their reputation has been that of a large force of men and women given 47 days of training with lower standards than those required in 2024. At that, trainees are sometimes allowed field positions even though they can’t pass written exams, even on open book tests; or drug tests, or the physical fitness exams. Many of us assumed that White, European immigrants would be treated better than immigrants from Central and South America, or Africa. However, Mr. Culletin’s description of his treatment shows the same lack of humanity as that shown to darker skinned immigrants. If one were to extrapolate out from immigrants, we can guess how much respect the Trump administration has for the Irish. Yet America owes so much to Irish immigrants that we should never stop thanking our foremothers and fathers from Ireland and the North of Ireland for and giving us our sense of history. This is how the descendants of the diaspora see our place in the country I live in. Instead, modern day Irish immigrants are treated much worse than those who fled the Great Hunger to the United States. In fact, immigrants are treated worse than a convicted murderer in prison in America. Though there are fewer Irish coming to America now than then, those caught up in the desire to immigrate today are treated like concentration camp inmates when they are apprehended as though there were no greater crime than wanting to live in America and have a good life. Beyond immigrants there is also the issue of respect for leaders, from this White House. The most troubling example of this administration’s treatment of leaders came early last year with the terrible bullying of Pres. Zelensky of the Ukraine. A man who has risked his life and his family’s lives to fight Russia was berated for not wearing a suit. When it came to treatment of the Taoiseach and Taniste of Ireland, last year, Donald Trump ignored legitimate Irish leaders to spend his time glorifying Conor McGregor an athlete who has also been accused of sexual abuse. If Trump admired McGregor’s fighting career, that is one thing, but McGregor does not come with a clean record and is certainly not the best Ireland has to offer and his snub of the governmental leaders of Ireland should have ended any White House visit of those leaders during the Trump administration.
The Irish Times had an editorial, a week ago Sunday stating that Trump may want the use of Shannon Airport for a launch for his war in Iran. I cannot guess whether he will discuss this, nor would I be willing to state the best course for Ireland. What I can say is that the Trump’s track record for keeping promises is dim. Donald Trump is often described as transactional. I think the best way to put that is that Trump has no use for you, unless he actually has a use for you. During his recent campaign for president, Mr. Trump promised his voters, among other things, that he would bring down costs of basic necessities. He promised this to be accomplished immediately when he took office. But Trump no longer needs his voters, either he is through with the office of President as soon as this term is up, or he will somehow achieve the presidency by non-democratic means. Either way, he no longer needs his voters. His first comments on the concept of cost cutting for the average American was that once prices are high, they are hard to bring down. Since that time he simply says that the economy is altogether better under him with no documentation of that, The average voter can go to the grocery store and see that prices on the same items have not decreased, in fact, without changing any purchasing habits, it is slightly higher. Additionally, his back and forth tariff deals have much more to do with whether he is angry at a government than that tariffs are a good economic measure. One of the highest tariffed countries is Brazil and that is more over his anger that Brazil arrested their former president, Bolsonaro, a man who attempted a coup along the lines of the January 6, actions in the USA, with crimes. The tariff serves no economic purpose for the United States, it is just that he wants to punish Brazil.
Previously, the 6-7 hour trip from Dublin to Washington D.C. has been of greater good for both countries. William Clinton and former Sen. George Mitchell were both instrumental in bringing the parties together for the Good Friday Agreement. Both before and after that agreement was ratified, the St. Patrick’s Day celebration was very useful in making the Agreement work well. And every President has used this event to demonstrate respect for the Irish. Even in Trump’s first term there were guardrails in place to retain normalcy in the St. Patrick’s day celebration diplomacy. This time Trump is served by a cabinet that is unable to do the job assigned to them, or in Marco Rubio’s case (Secretary of State) he is overwhelmed by so many tasks that he can’t provide a good diplomatic environment this upcoming St. Patrick’s day.
Last I wonder why Irish and UK leaders fly to New York to celebrate this wonderful day. It is a time meant for the respect of the Irish People and for the beginnings of the Christian religion in Ireland. I am one of those people in the United States with Irish Antecedents on both sides of my family. With some as far back as under Cromwell, some diaspora and some later. They say now that there are 32,000,000 million American people who are the result of Irish Immigration. Somehow, I think that number is very conservative. Nonetheless, I prefer celebrating St. Patrick’s day in Ireland and I think that Americans get quite a lot out of visiting Ireland on this special day. However, if you want to visit the raucous day where beer is dyed green in American bars (a few of which are called pubs), and the proud parade of the Irish founded New York Police Department, it is very much fun over here as well. However, I think that Sinn Fein has shown the value of Irish heritage by not coming to be ignored, or disrespected by those in Trump’s orbit. Whether it is the Irish or the UK government, respect cannot be counted upon in Washington D.C. at the White House. In fact, some measure of humiliation is more likely than not to occur. If it were my call, I would stay home where I might be able to see parades from either or both countries streaming live.
I’m sure many Americans and many Irish or Loyalist people would disagree with me. This is simply the opinion of one American citizen who thinks about how I may need to emigrate from my own country, preferably to Ireland. A country I love so much. Many Americans disagree with me as well. It is simply my personal belief that Sinn Fein will not regret the decision to decline the invitation.
A man has been jailed after attempting to bite a police officer during an incident in Derry on St Stephen’s Day.
The court heard that the incident took place on 26 December, when officers from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) were dealing with a disturbance in the city.
Police were called to the scene following reports of disorderly behaviour, where they encountered the defendant acting aggressively.
During the incident, officers attempted to restrain the man after he became confrontational.
The court was told that while officers were attempting to control the situation, the man lashed out and tried to bite one of the police officers.
The officer avoided injury, but the behaviour was described in court as dangerous and unacceptable.
Prosecutors said the defendant’s actions posed a serious risk to officers who were carrying out their duties.
The case was heard before Derry Magistrates’ Court, where the judge considered the circumstances of the incident.
During the hearing, the court was told that the man had behaved aggressively towards police and had resisted their attempts to restrain him.
Following the proceedings, the judge imposed a custodial sentence, ordering that the defendant be jailed for his actions.
Assaulting emergency workers, including police officers, is treated seriously by the courts.
The incident highlights the risks officers can face while responding to disturbances and maintaining public order.
Police have repeatedly warned that aggressive behaviour towards emergency services will be dealt with through the courts.
The man was taken into custody following the court’s decision.
The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) has issued a warning about what it describes as a growing problem of fuel theft affecting households and businesses across Northern Ireland/The North.
Party representatives say increasing numbers of people are reporting incidents where heating oil has been stolen from domestic tanks, leaving families facing significant financial losses.
Fuel theft has long been an issue in rural areas, where homes often rely on outdoor oil tanks to supply heating systems. With heating oil prices fluctuating in recent years, some households have become targets for criminals seeking to siphon fuel.
The UUP said it has been contacted by constituents who discovered large quantities of heating oil missing from their tanks, sometimes overnight.
Party representatives warned that the thefts can have serious consequences, particularly during colder months when families depend on heating oil to warm their homes.
They are urging residents to take preventative measures such as installing tank locks, security lighting and monitoring systems to help reduce the risk of theft.
Fuel theft not only causes financial hardship but can also create safety hazards if tanks are damaged or improperly accessed during the theft.
The issue has also raised concerns for farms and small businesses, which may store large quantities of fuel on their premises.
Political representatives say tackling the problem will require cooperation between communities and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).
Residents are being encouraged to report suspicious activity around oil tanks or fuel storage areas to police.
The UUP said raising awareness of the issue is an important step in helping communities protect themselves against theft.
As energy costs remain a major concern for many households, the loss of heating oil can represent a significant financial setback for affected families.
The party says continued vigilance and improved security measures could help reduce the number of incidents reported across Northern Ireland/The North.
Support ATL across the platforms that keep this work independent
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional
Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
