A man with learning and physical difficulties who assaulted both his parents has been handed a conditional discharge.
The district judge warned the 53-year-old: “I hope this makes you realise that you can’t behave like that and you can’t treat your parents like that.”
Paul Conlon, of Carrigart, Tullygally, pleaded guilty to two counts of common assault at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
Prosecution outlined that on January 28, at 4.48pm, police received a report of a domestic incident at Carrigart, Craigavon.
Officers spoke to the defendant’s mother who stated Conlon had grabbed her by her hair and punched her in the face following an argument about the condition of the house.
They also spoke to Conlon’s father who said his son had grabbed him by the arm and yelled at him.
He said he had tried to assist his wife but due to a back condition he could not help her.
The defendant was subsequently arrested and taken to Banbridge Custody Suite.
During interview, Conlon said he was annoyed at the state of the house.
The defendant accepted the statements made by both of his elderly parents and apologised to police.
Defence solicitor Kevin McCamley stated: “This is a man with a very sad background. He has learning difficulties and physical difficulties.
“He has been in the custody of his parents his whole life and it would appear his issues built up.”
He continued: “There have never been any incidents in the past that I am aware of. There had been one report at one stage.”
Prosecution stated that the officer in charge had spoken to Conlon’s mother who said she did not wish to have a restraining order put in place.
District Judge Amanda Brady said: “Mr Conlon, I am giving you credit for your guilty plea at the first opportunity and the fact you have no criminal record.”
The defendant was handed a conditional discharge for 12 months.
The district judge warned Conlon: “I hope this makes you realise that you can’t behave like that and you can’t treat your parents like that.”
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