Two Newry men who were convicted of disorderly behaviour and possession of a weapon outside Buttercrane shopping centre have been sentenced to three months in prison suspended for two years.
Court heard how both defendants had made claims that the other had been the aggressor in what one barrister termed a “coming together of two individuals”.
Barry John Dullaghan, 36, of Erskine Street, and Thomas Patrick McDonagh, 45, of Dominic Street, both contested charges of disorderly behaviour and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place at the city’s Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Dullaghan had previously indicated pleas to possession of cannabis and cocaine.
The particulars outline that the offences were committed on September 18, of last year, at the Buttercrane Shopping Centre.
Prosecution stated that CCTV footage which had been shown to the judge proved the case on their behalf and that both charges were made out.
Defending McDonagh, barrister Conor Byrne stated that each male had claimed the other had been the aggressor with both making a case for self-defence.
He asked that District Judge Eamonn King make a determination from the CCTV on the “coming together of two individuals”.
For the co-defendant, barrister Stephen Campbell said: “Mr Dullaghan claimed during his first interview that he had brought the stick with him when he was walking his dog.
“He was approached by Mr McDonagh, who was holding a knife and lifted the stick in self-defence.”
District Judge King commented: “I have had the opportunity to view the footage. I am satisfied it correctly identifies both individuals showing hostility to one another with weapons.”
Both men were sentenced to a total of three months in prison suspended for two years.
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