A restraining order has been granted against a pensioner who gave his brother-in-law two black eyes.
Court heard this was the 70-year-old’s first offence and was born out of a “fractious relationship”.
Russell Hanna, of Gregg Street, Lisburn pleaded guilty to common assault at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
Court heard that on December 18, of last year, police received a report from the injured party’s wife of a fight involving her husband.
Prosecution informed the court this involved the defendant but was part of another very serious matter of grievous bodily harm involving a knife which was currently ongoing in the Crown Court and likely to conclude in January.
However, when police attended the scene on December 18 and spoke to the injured party, he claimed Hanna had given him two black eyes some weeks earlier.
Court heard that the defendant was married to the injured party’s sister and that there had been ongoing differences between the pair.
Defence counsel stated: “There has been a very fractious relationship between Mr Hanna and his brother-in-law”.
District Judge Bernie Kelly said: “Given that the other matter is not going to be dealt with until January and with Christmas around the corner, I feel that a restraining order is warranted to ensure that the injured party and his family can enjoy the festivities”.
Hanna was issued with a three-year restraining order and was ordered to pay a fine of £500, along with the offender’s levy of £15, within 16 weeks.
