A Lurgan man who was spotted assaulting his partner outside a local police station has been sentenced to four months in prison.
Defence barrister David McKeown told court the 25-year-old was “deeply, deeply ashamed” by his actions.
Appearing via videolink from Maghaberry, Michael Gregory Burke, of Kelly Gardens, pleaded guilty to common assault, disorderly behaviour, resisting police and assault on police at Craigavon Magistrates’ on Friday.
It was heard that on October 8 security staff at Lurgan Police station observed an assault occurring outside the premise.
The defendant was seen to be grabbing the neck of a female and pushing her towards the station.
Officers went outside to break up the assault but Burke reacted by punching one of them in the face.
The defendant then continued to resist as police attempted to arrest him.
When interviewed, the injured party stated she had been grabbed by her hair and neck as she was walking home.
District Judge Bernie Kelly stated: “I presume then that this was an innocent bystander who was attacked.”
It was established by the prosecution that the injured party was, in fact, the defendant’s partner.
Defence barrister David McKeown said: “There is no excuse for Mr Burke’s actions, he is deeply, deeply ashamed”.
Court heard that by next week the defendant would have served the equivalent of four months in prison whilst on remand for this offence.
Mr McKeown stated: “Mr Burke’s problem is rooted in alcohol, but he does not wish to use that as an excuse”.
Judge Kelly said: “This offence is aggravated by being in a domestic setting, but I will give you credit for the time you have spent on remand and your plea of guilty”.
Burke was sentenced to four months in prison for each charge all of which were ordered to run concurrently.
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