Threat to burn down house

TWO brothers have been warned they will go to jail, if they step out of line in the next four months, after Dundalk court heard how they threatened to petrol bomb a house in Muirhevnamor.

Francis Smith (21), 15 Doolargy Avenue, Muirhevnamor, and Aaron Smith (19), 58 Aghameen Park, each pleaded guilty to a number of charges arising out of a late-night incident in Doolargy Avenue on 2 November, 2015.

Both men had weapons, and evidence was given that Aaron Smith had been in a relationship with a 16-year-old girl who lived at the address in question, and it had ended badly.

Judge Brennan was also told there was a history of trouble between the two families.

Garda Hugh Jordan said that at 11pm on 2 November last, there was a report of a disturbance at 107 Doolargy Avenue.

He subsequently took a number of statements from people who were in the house at the time.

The 16-year-old girl was outside when she saw Aaron Smith, who said he was going to shoot her dog.

She went inside, before returning with her mother.

Aaron Smith threw a child’s scooter towards the house, smashing an exterior light.

Both defendants were shouting and screaming. Francis Smith had a knife in his hand, while Aaron Smith was armed with the half of a hurley, which he had raised.

Aaron Smith threw an egg at the house, and his brother said he was going to knock the girl over in his van.

They were in the front garden, and Francis Smith said he was going to burn the people out of the house.

Gda Jordan added the incident lasted between 10 and twenty minutes, according to witness statements.

The family was extremely frightened, after the accused told them they were going to petrol bomb the house.

Aaron Smith fled the scene, and was arrested on 30 November.

The Smiths have no previous convictions.

Solicitor Eleanor Kelly submitted there are problems and ongoing issues between the two families.

Aaron had been in a relationship with the 16-year-old girl, and it had ended badly.

He had moved out of Doolargy Avenue, and was trying to rise above any trouble.

Francis Smith, meanwhile, has a four-week-old baby.

Both men are holding their hands up.

Judge Brennan put the case back to 2 November next for community service and probation reports, and for compensation.

If they put a foot wrong in the meantime, they will go into custody, he warned.

‘I don’t care about differences between families.’