Teen who threated to cut woman’s face off and head-butted door of Belfast hostel is jailed

Prosecutors said Daniel McKee left the victim fearing she was going to be attacked after he head-butted doors at the Belfast Foyer.

McKee, 19, pleaded guilty to common assault, threats to damage property and criminal damage to his bedroom in the centre on September 13 this year.

Belfast Magistrates’ Court heard police were contacted by a support worker at the hostel on the Malone Road.

“She said that the defendant threatened to cut her face off,” a Crown lawyer submitted.

“He had been head-butting doors and acting aggressively.”

McKee had also refused to take his medication for mental health issues.

Although no physical contact was made, the support worker told police she was frightened he would assault her.

“She also said that he had made threats to burn down the centre, and that he had damaged fixtures belonging to the centre in his bedroom,” the prosecutor added.

Defence barrister Shannon McKenna stressed McKee had apologised to staff for his behaviour when arrested at the scene.

“He’s quite a vulnerable young man,” she said.

“The offences took place in a youth hostel run by the Simon Community, which speaks to his difficulties.”

District Judge George Conner was urged to take into account the time McKee has already spent in custody.

Imposing a total sentence of five months, Mr Conner said: “The common assault was a serious matter.”