A 32-year-old man who assaulted his then wife in a domestic argument has been given a three month custodial sentence, suspended for 12 months.
The case heard at Enniskillen Magistrates Court involved a fight between a husband and wife, part of ongoing domestic problems.
The prosecutor outlined that on March 11, 2014 police received a report of a domestic incident at an address in Cavandale, Enniskillen. A female had called 999 claiming her husband had assaulted her.
When police arrived they observed the defendant Kieran Corrigan, of Killyvilly, Enniskillen exiting through the front door of the property in an agitated state carrying a holdall filled with clothing.
Police were told that earlier at 11am, Corrigan’s wife had been in bed when her husband entered and initially sat at her feet.
It was noted that the relationship had been strained and the defendant told his wife he wished to speak to her to sort things out and did not want to row.
He then grabbed the tablet computer she was holding in her hand and she tried to distract him while trying to exit through the door.
The defendant got to the door first however and refused to let her leave. Mrs Corrigan then struck her husband between the legs as hard as she could in an attempt to escape.
He then grabbed her by the throat and torso area, lifting her and throwing her onto the bed.
She again made an attempt to escape and bit her husband on the right shoulder and both wrists.
In retaliation he grabbed her in a choke lock and smashed her mobile phone against the wall.
Mrs Corrigan did then leave through the door after headbutting the defendant and phoned the police.
When police arrived at the house Mr Corrigan had been collecting his things to leave. Mr Corrigan was later arrested by police for common assault and criminal damage.
During interview the defendant stated he was the injured party and said he had been going to see his father when ‘all hell broke loose’.
He told police that his wife jumped up from the bed and headbutted him. In his statement he said he wouldn’t make a complaint against his wife.
A report from a Dr Cathcart confirmed the defendant’s injuries. He sustained bruising over the bridge of his eyes and bruising on his wrists consistent with biting
Defence solicitor Michelle McVeigh highlighted to the court that the defendant had since replaced his estranged wife’s phone at a cost of £50.
She noted that this was not a savoury incident and explained the relationship between the two parties had been deteriorating for a period of time.
In relation to the incident the solicitor said the defendant had made an attempt to clear the air and did confront his wife, but not in an aggressive manner and noted it was Mrs Corrigan who struck the first blow.
Ms McVeigh produced a statement to the court from Mrs Corrigan, which said it was not a violent relationship and that her husband needs help and not punishment.
Her statement outlined that the behaviour was not in her husband’s nature and that he was not a violent man in the six years she had known him.
The defence solicitor said the actions were in self-defence, but accepted her client had went beyond that. She stated his actions were out of character and this was an isolated incident. In mitigation she commended Corrigan for accepting culpability and indicated he had shown remorse.
Deputy district judge Laura Ievers acknowledged Corrigan had accepted responsibility for the incident and noted his lack of any relevant record.
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