Woman jailed after ‘hostile’ attack on foreign neighbour

AN east Belfast woman who attacked a foreign national neighbour and threatened to kill her has been jailed for three months.

Julie Ann Craig (38) also told the victim her windows were going to be damaged.

Belfast Magistrates Court heard the woman targeted has since left Northern Ireland with her partner.

Craig, of Fashoda Street, admitted threats to kill, common assault, threats to damage property and disorderly behaviour.

She was said to have assaulted the victim outside her home in the area last September 28.

According to the prosecution Craig was known to the woman due to previous incidents between them.

“Threats were also made to the victim that her windows were going to be damaged and she was going to be killed,” a Crown lawyer said.

“The injured party later heard banging on her living room window and looked out to see the defendant and other persons outside.”

Her partner filmed the incident on his mobile phone, providing footage to police who then arrested Craig.

The prosecutor added: “This is a matter aggravated by hostility.”

Defence counsel Mark Farrell confirmed the complainants, whose nationalities were not disclosed, have since left the jurisdiction.

Asked if they were driven out because of the incident, the barrister replied: “No, I don’t think it’s that.”

But after studying reports, District Judge Nigel Broderick ruled that Craig should be imprisoned due to the hostility involved. He released her on bail pending an appeal against sentence.