Long-running issues between neighbours has cost a man over £900.
Michael McCall, of Union Mills, has been fined after admitting a charge of threatening behaviour and one of criminal damage.
McCall represented himself when he appeared before Deputy High Bailiff Rachael Braidwood on Tuesday.
The court heard that on July 13 police were called to an address in Union Mills after reports of a disturbance between neighbours.
The complainant said both he and McCall were in their own gardens when McCall shouted an offensive accusation at him before threatening him, all from inside his own garden.
McCall told police that his neighbour had started the disagreement and said they had previously been good friends before falling out.
After being arrested McCall was held at Police HQ where he damaged his cell by blocking the toilet with clothing provided by officers.
McCall said he had suffered from mental health issues and “didn’t mean” to offend or threaten his neighbour, adding “I am very sorry for any words I said to him”.
He added that the incident in the police cells had occurred as he “couldn’t cope” without his medication and told Ms Braidwood “I am very sorry about everything that I’ve done”.
Ms Braidwood acknowledged that McCall had been “cooperative and remorseful” but that his behaviour was “inappropriate and unacceptable”.
She fined him £300 for the threatening behaviour, £350 plus £150 compensation for the damage to the police cell and ordered him to pay court costs of £125, which he offered to pay in full.



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