A 41-year-old former army soldier who slapped his partner across the face before stealing €150 has been sentenced to two months imprisonment. In the case at Enniskillen Magistrates Court the prosecutor outlined that on May 4, 2014 police received a statement of complaint regarding allegations the previous day.
The complainant revealed that at 9.30pm John Anthony Hughes, of Lakeview Terrace, Cavan had assaulted her and stolen €150 from her purse. The injured party told police that the two had been visiting friends in the Sylvan Hill area of Lisnaskea when an argument took place.
During the argument Hughes slapped the injured party across the face. She later discovered €150 missing from her purse.
When police spoke to Hughes they arrested him for the two offences. During interview he denied both allegations.
The defence barrister explained that Hughes had a clean record and had undertaken 15 years of military service in both the Irish and British armies. During his term he saw action in Bosnia, Kosovo and the first Gulf War.
The defence told the court that after his honourable discharge Hughes was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. “This is not an excuse, but it is to help explain his actions,” commented the barrister.
He told the court that Hughes, who resides in Cavan would encounter difficulties when not in his normal surroundings. He apologised on behalf of the defendant to court and to the injured party.
In regards to the money the defence explained that the injured party, Hughes’ partner at the time, had been holding all the money and that some of it did belong to the defendant.
In mitigation the barrister noted no injuries were sustained in the assault and asked that the matter be dealt with the ‘leniency that it deserves’.
It was noted in court that the defendant had been in custody since the incident as he had been unable to provide a suitable address for bail.
District judge Nigel Broderick acknowledged the considerable time spent in custody, but highlighted that these were serious matters.
The judge said he was satisfied the custody threshold had been crossed and imposed the sentence.
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