A man who punched a female in the back after she attended his home to collect items belonging to her has been sentenced to four months in prison suspended for two years.
Sentencing the 36-year-old, the district judge commented: “This is the 21st Century and women are still being treated by people like you as some sort of lesser human being.”
Darius Radziunas, of Trasna Way in Lurgan, appeared for sentencing on a single count of common assault at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
Prosecution outlined that on 9.40pm, on March 3, police received a report of an assault in the Lurgan area.
The injured party stated that the defendant had contacted her regarding some of her belongings at his address.
When she attended, a verbal argument broke out and she claimed as she turned to leave Radziunas had punched her on the back.
The injured party stated that this had been sore but no injuries were observed by officers.
Radziunas was arrested at his home shortly after 2am. He was then interviewed before being released on bail.
During interview, the defendant claimed that the injured party had contacted him and that they had been drinking together at his home.
Radziunas stated that he had asked for the injured party to leave but she refused. He admitted ‘man-handling’ the female and escorting her from the property but denied any punch occurred.
Defence barrister David McKeown acknowledged that the presentence report before the court outlined an “unacceptable mindset” held by his client.
He stated that following the date of this offence a restraining order in relation to other matters had been put in place and there had been no breaches or contact since.
Addressing the defendant, District Judge Bernie Kelly said: “Do you know what it is like to be a woman who is abused? This is the 21st Century and women are still being treated by people like you as some sort of lesser human being.
“Your commentary is that is was not your fault, that she made you do it, that she pushed you too far. Nobody makes you do anything Mr Radziunas.”
She continued: “That attitude is something I heard espoused when I was growing up, many moons ago….you are from a generation even below me and you hold that attitude.
“Was she drunk or sober when she made that statement? I mean, how condescending can you be?”
Radziunas was sentenced to four months in prison suspended for a period of 12 months.
