Woman (19) harassed and assaulted victim
A 19-year-old woman who harassed her victim over a six month period and then assaulted her, has been given a three-month custodial sentence, suspended for two years. She was ordered to pay £1,000 compensation to the injured party.
Appearing at Enniskillen Magistrates Court, Charlotte Govey, formerly from Fermanagh and now of Derg Road, Victoria Bridge, pleaded guilty to the two charges.
The prosecutor outlined that on June 20, 2012 the injured party made a statement that while she was out drinking in Pat’s Bar, Enniskillen when Govey started shouting at her. She got close to her and had to be pulled away by friends.
The court heard that the two parties had history.
The defendant later apologised that evening in the Bush Bar, Enniskillen, but the following day she began to constantly text the injured party, asking to meet up, but the injured party did not wish to do so.
In another incident, the two ran into each other again, while out in Enniskillen, with Govey nudging the injured party. When she turned around, Govey threw a drink in her face.
While Govey was being ejected by staff, it was also alleged she spat in the victim’s face.
The harassment went further on December 27 when, in Pat’s Bar, Govey followed the injured party into the toilets and intimidated her.
Then, in the Bush Bar at 11.45pm, she kicked the injured party three times to her lower leg. Later still that night, when the victim went to leave the bar, Govey became verbally abusive and threatening and struck her above the right eye.
It was noted in court that the injured party was said to be “constantly scared” and “doesn’t want to go anywhere because she’s afraid.”
Defence solicitor, Michelle McVeigh accepted that this was a very unsavoury incident and expressed shame on behalf of her client.
She apologised to the victim and to the court on behalf of her client, and said that Govey accepted her guilt and culpability.
Her instructions were that Govey had experienced quite a transient lifestyle and had a tragic upbringing.
In relation to the assault, the defence noted alcohol as a contributing factor and said the defendant accepted her behaviour was inappropriate and unacceptable. She told the court that the defendant had since moved to England.
Addressing Govey, District judge Nigel Broderick stated: “Hopefully, you now realise this is a very serious matter. This assault and the conduct of harassment had a very detrimental effect on the injured party.”
The judge said there was no justification for this course of conduct, but noted the limited previous record of the defendant.
Taken all into consideration, he imposed the suspended sentence, issued a restraining order for a period of two years and ordered Govey to pay £1,000 compensation to the injured party.
Man appears on burglary charges
A MAN has been accused of burgling a house in Fivemiletown in which personal documents and other items were taken from the property.
The twenty-one year old man has appeared in court in relation to an alleged burglary. Ciaran McDermott from Coolnafranky Park, Cookstown is accused of entering a house as a trespasser between June 20 and 21, and stealing personal documents, clothing and other items, as well as causing criminal damage to clothing and a settee.
The incident is alleged to have occurred in the Main Street area of Fivemiletown.
Police under oath told East Tyrone Magistrates Court the charges could be connected. District Judge John Meehan remanded McDermott on continuing bail to return to court on September 24.
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