A Lurgan man who broke a woman’s finger in an assault has been sentenced to 150 hours of community service.
Sentencing came a week after the 25-year-old, who claimed “mental and physical problems” stopped him from gaining employment, was told by the district judge to sign up for every agency in Portadown.
Scott Stephen White, of Larkfield Square, appeared for sentencing on assault occasioning bodily harm and two counts of common assault at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
Court heard the assaults involved the defendant’s girlfriend and her mother, with the latter having her finger broken during the incident.
Defence barrister Conor Lunny stated: “He took your advice, he signed up for every agency on Portadown and Craigavon high street.
“He has also gained an interview with Oxfam.”
District Judge Bernie Kelly commented: “Isn’t it amazing what you can do when you put your mind to it.”
Mr Lunny said that White wished to thank the judge for the “push he needed” to find employment.
District Judge Kelly stated: “This is a very serious offence but you are given credit for your plea of guilty and your previously clear record.
“I am slightly concerned about the mitigating features and so warrant this so serious that it deserves the imposition of a community order.”
White was sentenced to 150 hours of community service.
District Judge Kelly told the defendant: “If you don’t work with probation to complete the order, I will replace it with a term of immediate custody.”
