A Bessbrook man who assaulted his partner by punching her to the head and twisting her wrist has been handed a £150 fine.
The 28-year-old’s solicitor told court: “Alcohol was taken and irrespective of what happened, no man should lift his hands to a woman in the way he did.”
John Bowden, of Dobsons Way, had a plea of guilty entered on his behalf to common assault at Newry Magistrates’.
Prosecution outlined that on March 28, at 1.28am, police received a third party report of an ongoing domestic at an address on Dobsons Way in Newry.
The injured party stated that her partner, the defendant, had asked her to go downstairs to get a Firestick for the TV.
When she returned, an argument began regarding Bowden’s lack of support regarding childcare.
The injured party stated that the defendant then began punching her to the face, she turned her head but he continued to strike her to the side and back of her head.
She said that Bowden then grabbed her by the wrist and twisted it, causing her a lot of pain.
The injured party then told the defendant to leave, which he did, and she claimed the whole incident lasted around five minutes.
It was later found that the injured party had sprained her wrist, she was required to wear a strap and take painkillers.
When interviewed, Bowden claimed the argument had been about alleged infidelity. He admitted trying to slap the injured party but claimed that he did not connect.
The defendant admitted there had been pushing and shouting, he also stated that he had grabbed the injured party’s wrist to stop her from hitting him and that he left to end the argument.
Defence solicitor Conor Downey stated that Bowden had returned to the family home and that Social Services were involved but were “content”.
He added: “Alcohol was taken and irrespective of what happened, no man should lift his hands to a woman in the way he did.”
The defendant was ordered to pay a fine of £150, along with the offender’s levy of £15, within four weeks.
