Robert McKee, 58, from Lester Terrace in Magherafelt, admitted engaging in abusive behaviour toward his wife between March 17 and October 18 last year. The conduct aimed to cause her physical or psychological harm.

District Judge Francis Rafferty imposed a two-year restraining order on McKee. The judge noted McKee's first court appearance and steps to address alcohol addiction, along with Housing Executive accommodation.

On October 5, police responded to a call from McKee's wife after he locked her out of her mother's house in Ardboe. McKee sent her text messages with threats to kill her, rip her throat out, and blow her up.

McKee's wife reported to police that he consumed alcohol excessively and belittled her when drinking. This led her to stay with her parents or at work.

Police arrested and interviewed McKee, who denied the allegations and claimed his wife invented them to discredit him.

A defence lawyer highlighted McKee's four weeks of sobriety and three visits to the community addiction team. The lawyer requested no custodial sentence given McKee's age and lack of prior convictions.