An Armagh man has been given a community-based order after striking his twin brother whilst intoxicated.
Peter James Fields, 50, of Brookhill Crescent, appeared at Armagh Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday charged with common assault.
The court heard that shortly before 4am on February 22 police were called by the defendant’s twin brother who claimed that he had been assaulted.
Fields’ brother told police he was concerned about the defendant’s alcohol problem.
When police arrived they noted no significant injury to the injured brother, except a mouth ulcer which had been exacerbated by the blow.
Fields’ appeared unsteady on his feet, had slurred speech and smelt strongly of alcohol, according to police.
He was taken into custody where later he admitted to striking his brother.
Defence counsel informed the court that both of the brothers resided in their mother’s home, with the defendant acting as her carer.
They went on to say that Fields’ brother was employed on shift work and on the night in question had been awoken in the early hours, which had caused a row.
Court heard that Fields had “battled on and off with alcohol”, but since the incident had not taken any alcohol.
This prompted the defence to state he “wished to remain sober”.
Deputy District Judge Michael Ranaghan sentenced Fields to a combination order with 40 hours of community service and ordered him to pay £100, along with the offender’s levy of £15.
