A Banbridge woman who “kung fu kicked” a door into her ex-partner’s face after going to confront him about a new relationship has been given a chance as sentence has been deferred.
The 35-year-old’s barrister asked that the deputy district judge view the assault as one born out of “recklessness” rather than intent.
Michelle Culloo, of Legion Court, appeared for sentencing on one count of common assault at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
Prosecution outlined that on July 15, police received a report of disturbances at an address in Lurgan between 7pm and 8pm.
This defendant had attended her ex-partner’s property. CCTV showed her banging on rear windows in order to gain entry but she was refused.
At 7.39pm, the footage showed Culloo “effectively kung fu kicked” the front door which swung back hitting her ex-partner in the head, leaving him with bruising and a cut to his left eyebrow.
The defendant was arrested. During interview she made no comment to all questions, only speaking to state that the CCTV did not have audio so it was not known what had been said.
Prosecution informed the court that on August 14 of 2019, less than one year previous, Culloo had been handed a suspended sentence for common assault.
Defence barrister Conor Lunny stated that the defendant had a “bipolar” diagnosis but admitted that her “voluntary” consumption of alcohol did not work well with her “stabilising medication”.
Deputy District Judge Chris Holmes commented that Culloo had gone to this address in order to “confront her ex-partner about a new relationship”.
Mr Lunny asked that the judge view this as an assault born out of “recklessness” rather than intent.
Deferring sentencing the case until April 9 of next year, Deputy District Judge Holmes told the defendant: “I am giving you one chance and one chance only.”
