Man who assaulted girlfriend and sister sentenced to five months in prison

A Lurgan man who assaulted his girlfriend and his sister while intoxicated has been handed a five month prison sentence.

Court heard the 31-year-old had been sentenced to 18 months probation in February, of this year, for offences of common assault and assault on police.

Steven Hanna, of Shimna Walk, pleaded guilty to two counts of common assault at Craigavon Magistrates’, sitting at Lisburn, on Friday via videolink from Maghaberry.

Prosecution outlined that on July 21, police received a report of a disturbance at an address on Shimna Walk in Lurgan.

Allegations had been made that this defendant had assaulted both his girlfriend and his sister.

Hanna’s girlfriend stated that the defendant had been at the property intoxicated, he refused to leave and a verbal altercation broke out.

She claimed that Hanna pushed her and punched her twice to the head before leaving the property.

Some time later, the defendant returned with his sister and another verbal disagreement began between these two parties.

Hanna’s sister claimed that the defendant grabbed her by the arm and pushed her as a result of this.

He was subsequently arrested for the assaults on both his sister and his girlfriend.

Prosecution informed the court Hanna had been sentenced to 18 months probation in February of this year for offences of common assault and assault on police.

Defence barrister Conor Lunny stated: “He is waiving his right to a presentence report. He has served three months and one day on remand which is over the statuary maximum for these offences.

“It is accepted that these are aggravated by the setting and circumstances but I am sure your worship can see what I am asking you to do.”

District Judge Rosie Watters said: “I am going to deal with him by way of custodial sentence. He has served a substantial amount of time and he has probation there to assist him.

“When you get out I would advise you to take all the help you can get.”

Hanna was sentenced to five months in prison for the offences before the court.

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