Man accused of threatening neighbour

A man who is alleged to have threatened to burn his neighbour's house down with his family inside is due to reappear before Athlone District Court later this month.

Stephen Penrose (40), with an address at Cois na Haibhainn, Moate, Co Westmeath appeared before Judge Bernadette Owens on October 1 where details of the charges emerged.

It is alleged that, at 7.45pm on August 3, 2025, Gardaí received a call from a man stating his neighbour, Mr Penrose, was intoxicated outside his house and began shouting abuse and swearing at him.

During the interaction, he made several threats to burn the injured party’s house down with his family inside, the court was told. The injured party told Gardaí he was in fear for himself and his family.

Mr Penrose was also charged in relation to a break-in at a premises in Ballynacargy. Gardaí arrived at the scene and it was alleged that the accused had smashed the front door of the premises, causing damage.

No entry was gained.

Judge Owens remanded Mr Penrose on bail to October 22.

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