A Portadown man who assaulted another male after allegations were made against him by his daughter has been handed a suspended sentence.
The 49-year-old’s barrister told the court on Friday: “This is someone with no history of violence. He has been assessed as having a low likelihood of re-offending, but on this occasion he took the law into his own hands.”
Louis Neill, of Churchill Park, appeared for sentencing for assault occasioning actual bodily harm at Craigavon Magistrates’, sitting at Lisburn, via videolink from his solicitor’s office.
Prosecution outlined that on February 15, of last year, the defendant’s daughter had made allegations against the injured party.
As a result of this, Neill had set out to find this male and approached him on the Garvaghy Road in Portadown.
The defendant proceeded to kick and punch this individual, leaving him with significant head and facial injuries.
When interviewed, Neill made admissions to the assault taking full and sole responsibility, distancing the involvement of others.
Defence barrister Damien Halloran stated: “This is a serious case. I have dealt with these types of cases which have found their way to the Crown Court.
“I understand that the injured party was not prepared to co-operate but this defendant made admissions to the assault during interview.”
He continued: “The context of this is the most serious of allegations being made against this injured party by this man’s daughter.
“This is someone with no history of violence. He has been assessed as having a low likelihood of re-offending, but on this occasion he took the law into his own hands.”
Mr Halloran added: “Whilst at the time he thought he was justified, he now accepts that was not the case and does feel remorse.”
District Judge Rosie Watters stated: “I see something different reading between the lines, for an assault of this kind you ought to be going to prison.
“But I do not believe you are the only person involved in this, although that is not before me and I do not know how to deal with that.”
Neill was sentenced to 10 months in prison suspended for a period of three years.
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