Limerick man who threatened to kill woman tells foreign national 'to go back to his own country'

A COUNTY Limerick man who told a foreign national “to go back to his own country” has had part of a suspended sentence for threatening to kill, and harassment of an ex-partner, revoked.

Stephen McDonagh, aged 31, of Fanningstown, Fedamore appeared via video-link from Limerick Prison for the Section 99 hearing in Limerick Circuit Criminal Court.

Padraig Mawe, State solicitor, informed Judge Colin Daly there were two “triggering matters” - both for threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour in a public place.

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Mr Mawe said Mr McDonagh was abusive and aggressive to a parking attendant in Limerick city on May 21, 2024.

Three days later, Mr Mawe said, the accused was driving a van at speed in the city.

The State solicitor said a man gestured to Mr McDonagh to slow down, that he was driving too fast.

“The man is originally not from Ireland. 

“Mr McDonagh stopped the van and told the individual to go back to his own country. Mr McDonagh got out of the van and chased the individual,” said Mr Mawe.

Mr McDonagh received a four-week prison sentence for each of the Section 6 public order matters in Limerick District Court.

The court heard that Mr McDonagh received a four year prison sentence with the final 18 months suspended for threatening to kill and harassment of his ex-partner. 

Mr Mawe said Mr McDonagh incessantly text and rang his ex-partner, and threatened violence to try and ensure she would not attend court.

Eimear Carey BL, who represented Mr McDonagh, said  that at the time of the incidents the woman was his ex-partner but they are still together.

“What occurred, occurred at a particular point in their relationship,” said Ms Carey.

The defence barrister said Mr McDonagh is dealing with his “emotional disregulation”. Ms Carey said her client is doing very well in Limerick Prison and is on enhanced status.

Judge Daly said it certainly shows a pattern of intimidating behaviour. “He has great difficulty controlling his anger,” said Judge Daly. The judge revoked three months of the 18-month suspended sentence on each of the public order offences, to be served consecutively.