A Lurgan man who damaged his ex-partner’s door and window over her getting into a new relationship has been sentenced to community service.
The 28-year-old’s barrister told court: “Their relationship ended quite quietly after nine years, however, he did not cope well when another man came on the scene.”
Christopher Cassidy, of Kilmain Street, pleaded guilty to criminal damage, improper use of communications to cause anxiety and common assault at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
It was heard that on May 6, at around 1pm, police received a 999 call from the injured party who said her ex-partner was kicking and punching at her door.
Cassidy then went to the back of the property and threw a garden chair at the window causing it to crack.
The injured party told police she believed the defendant was trying to assault her.
Cassidy made off before officers arrived. Statements were taken from a neighbour and a friend of the injured party who had been in the home.
Police also noted damage to the front door, a rear window and a garden chair.
After being unable to locate the defendant, officers rang him and at 4.45pm he presented himself at Lurgan Police Station.
During interview, Cassidy admitted to improper use of communications but denied criminal damage.
Defence barrister Aaron Thompson stated: “This was his estranged partner. Their relationship ended quite quietly after nine years, however, he did not cope well when another man came on the scene.
“He accepts that this was his fault, he says he does not drink but on this night had consumed alcohol. He got a taxi to her home and, in fact, the taxi driver waited on outside the property.”
He continued: “This was an aberration, where his emotions took the better of him. He has been described as having a medium likelihood of reoffending probably because this occurred in a domestic setting.
“He never actually got face to face with the injured party.”
District Judge Bernie Kelly stated: “Mr Cassidy, you are entitled to credit for your lack of previous record, nevertheless, this was in a domestic context when your children were in the house.”
Cassidy was sentenced to 120 hours of community service.
