An Armagh woman is to appeal a three month prison sentence she received for assaulting her neighbour.
Sentencing the 43-year-old, the district judge commented: “You are due no credit as this matter ran as a contest. Claiming that the injured party is a liar is never a good defence.”
Aislinn Hughes, of Drumman Heights, appeared for sentencing on one count of common assault at the city’s Magistrates’ Court, sitting at Newry, on Tuesday via videolink from her solicitor’s office.
Prosecution outlined that on March 9, police received a report from the defendant alleging that she had been punched to the face by her neighbour at Daires Willows, Armagh.
The neighbour was arrested but he subsequently made a counter allegation that Hughes had in fact slapped him a number of times.
Police obtained CCTV footage which showed the defendant to be the aggressor in the altercations. She was interviewed but denied any contact with the injured party and once more claimed she was the victim.
Defence solicitor Nathan Davidson stated that Hughes had been affected mentally by this incident.
He commented that the only previous entries on her record had been for driving offences.
District Judge Bernie Kelly stated: “This is a serious matter. You are due no credit as this matter ran as a contest. Claiming that the injured party is a liar is never a good defence.”
Hughes was sentenced to three months in prison and a restraining order was put in place for a period of two years.
Mr Davidson informed the court of his client’s wish to appeal the sentence and Hughes was released on her own bail of £500 with one condition, that she have no contact with the injured party.
