A man who threatened to punch his partner’s 27-year-old son during a “family dispute” has been given a conditional discharge.
Vitalijs Luksa, 39, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to a single count of common assault at Craigavon Magistrates’, sitting at Lisburn, on Friday via videolink from Maghaberry.
Prosecution outlined that on April 26, at 5.34pm, police received a report that the defendant had assaulted his partner’s 27-year-old son at their home.
Officers spoke to the injured party who stated that Luksa had threatened to punch him and the defendant was subsequently arrested.
When interviewed, Luksa stated that he had been drinking in the house with his partner and her son, when an argument arose between the other two parties and he intervened.
Prosecution informed the court that the defendant had one previous entry on his record for criminal damage dating back to 2018.
Defence solicitor Pat Vernon stated: “This was a family dispute. The defendant would say that the injured party, who lives with them and does not work, would be a young man who spends a lot of time drinking and partying.
“They had been drinking together and an argument started which gave rise to this offence.”
District Judge Mark McGarrity said: “I do not believe that this case crosses the custody threshold. The defendant is entitled to credit for his guilty plea.
“I am also taking into account his clear record, bar one entry which isn’t relevant, and the facts in the case.”
Luksa was given a conditional discharge for a period of two years.
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