Six men involved in a conspiracy to force a man to leave his west Belfast home have avoided prison.
All six had suspended sentenced imposed by Judge Gordon Kerr KC at Belfast Crown Court on Monday for a charge of intimidation.
The defendants admitted that on August 16, 2022 they unlawfully caused by force, threats or menaces an occupant of Colin Glen Green to leave his home.
They are Kevin Delaney (39), from Ballymurphy Road; 44-year old Damien Hall from Cavendish Street; 49-year David Daniel Thomas McCrory from Cloona Manor; Damien O’Neill (41), from Arundel Courts; Patrick Francis McKernan (57), from Norglen Parade, and 30-year old Martin James McKernan from New Barnsley Drive.
Although no details about the act of intimidation emerged, the court heard there was a belief within the local community that the resident put out of his home was involved in anti-social behaviour connected to drugs.
Crown barrister Sam Magee KC revealed that whilst the gang who forced out the resident were masked, there was no evidence of weapons being used or produced.
He added there was “clearly a degree of planning” involved.
The judge said that despite local concerns regarding the resident, this “does not permit members of the public to try and take the law in their own hands”.
Judge Kerr also revealed there was no Victim Impact Statement regarding the resident as he did not co-operate with the police “in any way”.
Having considered defence submissions, the judge noted that father-of-two Hall has expressed remorse for this involvement and has a good working history as a joiner.
McCrory, who has a number of health issues, is involved in local sports and charitable fundraising.
Father-of-three Delaney plays a caring role for a sibling, has issues with alcohol and regarding the intimidation, he said he “just went along with things”.
The oldest defendant, Patrick McKernan, has caring responsibilities for his elderly father, and cited the offending as collective action against anti-social behaviour.
Martin McKernan, who has four children, acted as a driver and has shown insight into the effects of the incident.
O’Neill - who had a prior problem with drugs which he used to help cope with PTSD - said his role was to report on the movements of the resident.
Judge Kerr imposed 12-month sentences upon Hall, McCrory, Delaney and Patrick McKearnan, suspended for two years.
O’Neill and Martin McKearnan were handed nine-month sentences suspended for two years.