Accused 'threatened to kill' witness to keep brother from court

An unemployed man who threatened to kill a witness in a bid to prevent the prosecution of his brother has been given an 18-month sentence by Judge Martin Nolan at Dublin Circuit Court.

Lee Johnson (aged 20) of Coultry Grove, Ballymun pleaded guilty to threatening to kill Christopher Allen and intimidating a witness, June Allen on August 4, 2009.

Garda Brian O’Callaghan told Garnet Orange BL, prosecuting, that Johnson’s brother Barry went to the home of June and her brother Christopher’s house in Ballymun on August 3, 2009 looking for money from Christopher.

Christopher was not at the house at the time and threats were made to June Allen about her brother.

Barry Johnson was arrested a short time later and detailed to appear before Bridewell District Court.

Christopher was contacted by text and a further phone call was made by Lee Johnson where threats were made to Christoper to get June to drop the charges against Barry.

“Lee told June to go to the Bridewell and get the charges dropped and, if not, someone would get their head blown off,” garda O’Callaghan said in evidence.

While June Allen was present in the Bridewell, Lee Johnson walked over to her and told her she had to withdraw her statement against Barry. He had started staring and smirking at both June and Christopher.

Ms Caroline Biggs SC, defending, said her client had no excuse for assisting his brother but was intoxicated and regrets his actions.