‘I’LL RIP YOUR HEAD OFF AND DRINK YOUR BLOOD’

Court told of ‘blackmail after drug deal’

BLACKMAILERS allegedly threatened to “rip a man’s head off and drink his blood” when a drug deal went wrong, the High Court heard yesterday.

Prosecutors claimed he was warned about a £100,000 price on his head after a package was stolen in Belfast.

Details emerged as bail was refused to a man charged in connection with menacing those involved in the alleged botched exchange last month.

Ryan Mckiernan, 24, of Parkmore Street in the city, faces counts of blackmail, criminal damage and possessing an offensive weapon with intent. The court was told two men travelled in a van to the Obel Tower at Donegall Quay on March 31 for a suspected drugs deal.

Police said one got out and received a parcel but was knocked down by another car. The package was seized before the other vehicle left the scene. Crown lawyer Adrian Higgins said: “It appears this deal went badly wrong.”

Phone calls were then allegedly made to one of the pair in the van demanding £90,000.

Mr Higgins submitted: “He was told it would not be good for him if he didn’t pay as there was a £100,000 price on his head.”

It was claimed the next day four men armed with bars and bats attacked vehicles at his accomplice’s home in Lisburn, Co Antrim. Prosecution counsel claimed one threatened: “We are bad men, we do this for a living.”

A further alleged message warned he would be shot. Mr Higgins said the caller stated: “I’m going to rip your head off and drink your blood. We are coming with petrol. We will burn you alive.” Mckiernan is allegedly linked to the plot through buying top-ups for a phone police believe was used by the blackmailers.

But the court heard one alleged victim has withdrawn his complaint, while the other refused to provide a statement.

Denying bail Mr Justice Rooney held: “There is a risk of re-offending and a risk of interference with witnesses.”

We are coming with petrol. We’ll burn you alive BARRISTER BELFAST HIGH COURT YESTERDAY