A Markethill man who assaulted a 70-year-old twice on the same day must appear next month in order to hear his fate.
Ordering the defendant’s attendance, the deputy district judge commented: “To assault a 70-year-old man on two occasions, albeit in a short period of time…..when he is only 48 is a serious offence”.
John Patrick Carolan, of Gosford Castle, had pleas of guilty entered to two counts of common assault and resisting police at Armagh Magistrates’, sitting at Newry, on Tuesday.
Prosecution outlined that on November 30, at 12.15pm, police received a report of an assault occurring at Gosford Castle, Markethill.
The reporting person claimed that this defendant, who appeared intoxicated, had punched the injured party with incident being recorded on mobile phone.
Carolan also attended the home of the same injured party and after an argument slapped him in the face.
The defendant was subsequently arrested, whilst being conveyed to Banbridge Custody Suite became aggressive with police and had to be restrained.
After being given time to sober up, during an interview Carolan denied all of the allegations.
Defence solicitor Brendan Hagan stated his client had “nothing similar on his record”, with only one previous conviction for driving with excess alcohol.
He added that the incident arose out of an argument regarding financial issues the defendant had with the 70-year-old complainant.
Noting the non-attendance of Carolan, Deputy District Judge Philip Mateer stated: “I am concerned with the circumstances and I am going to have to have him here.
“To assault a 70-year-old man on two occasions, albeit in a short period of time…..when he is only 48 is a serious offence”.
The case was adjourned until April 13 for the Carolan to appear for sentencing.
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