A Lurgan man has been handed a suspended prison sentence after assaulting a male in relation to a “long running argument”.
The district judge had deferred sentencing in the matter, instructing the 31-year-old not to cross paths with the injured party or any of his family.
Hugh Francis Boyce, of Watsonville, appeared for sentencing on one court of common assault at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
Prosecution outlined that on June 17, at 12.30pm, the injured party was in his vehicle inside the car park of SuperValu at Flush Place in Lurgan.
He was approached by the defendant, who proceeded to open the car door and punch him in the face.
Upon exiting the car, the injured party was kneed and punched once more by Boyce.
Previous courts heard that when the injured party questioned the defendant on the assault, he was told that it was “because of what happened in court years ago”.
Police later spoke to Boyce and he told them: “I put my hands up, guilty.”
Speaking at that time, defence barrister Aaron Thompson stated: “This is in relation to a long running argument or feud…Mr Boyce was somewhat a victim in that he had to move away from his partner because of this.
“He was attacked in prison whilst he was on remand…. Mr Boyce did run around with a certain crowd but there was then a significant break down in relationships.”
District Judge Bernie Kelly commented that she had not dealt with or heard of the injured party in the recent past and did not wish for the “fractures to permeate through another generation”.
She deferred sentencing in the case until December 17, instructing Boyce not to cross paths with the injured party or any of his family.
On Friday, Mr Thompson informed the court that his client had abided by the condition of the deferral.
District Judge Kelly stated: “Mr Boyce, you have a particularly poor record for offences of violence and this was a wholly unprovoked attack.”
Boyce was sentenced to three months in prison suspended for a period of 12 months and a restraining order was granted for a period of two years.
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