A Portadown man who kicked close a door on a bar manager’s thumb after being escorted off the premises has been given a chance to prove a judge wrong.
The judge deferred the 24-year-old’s sentencing for six months in order for him to show a “significant change in lifestyle”.
James Lawley, of Charles Park, pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
It was heard that on October 23 the defendant entered a local bar in Portadown but was refused service due to him appearing intoxicated and under the influence of drugs.
Lawley was escorted from the premises but in the struggle kicked a door which closed on the manager’s thumb.
The next day this injury required six stitches at Craigavon Area Hospital.
District Judge Bernie Kelly stated: “It is very simple here, either he has a significant change in lifestyle or he is not going to live much longer”.
She said she was willing to give the defendant the chance to prove her wrong as sentencing was deferred for six months.
Judge Kelly ordered that in the interim Lawley was to not take alcohol or drugs, get a job and not come to the attention of police.
She stated: “Leave your lack of motivation and old lifestyle behind or face going immediately to prison, six months is plenty of time to get yourself sorted.”
Sentencing on this case will take place on May 1, 2019.
