A Keady man who placed his sister in a “choke-hold” after an argument over a taxi fare has been handed a suspended prison sentence.
The 24-year-old’s barrister told court his client accepted this was a “despicable act” but commented that he already had to spend some time in a hostel away from the family as a result of this incident.
James Murphy, of Madden Grange, pleaded guilty to a single count of common assault ar Armagh Magistrates’ Court, sitting at Newry, on Tuesday.
Prosecution outlined that on August 9, at 10.15pm, police were called to a report of a domestic incident at an address in Keady.
Upon arrival, officers spoke with the injured party, who had a cut to her head. She had locked herself in an upstairs bathroom to keep the defendant away from her.
She stated that Murphy, her brother, had placed her in a “choke-hold” following an argument in the living room of the property.
She stated that when her mother came in and intervened, she ran upstairs and locked herself in the bathroom where she called police.
Defence barrister Patrick Taggart explained that Murphy had returned home in a taxi but had lost his wallet, he asked his sister for money but lost patience as it was “taking some time”.
The barrister accepted this was a “despicable act” but commented that Murphy already had to spend some time in a hostel away from the family as a result of this incident.
Deputy District Judge Des Perry sentenced the defendant to two months in prison suspended for 12 months.
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