Enniskillen Magistrates Court heard on Monday that police were called to the store at 5.10pm on October 12th last following reports that a man was squaring up to staff. On arrival, police were informed that Matthew McDonagh (25) of Hudson Heights in Irvinestown and a female had left the store without paying for goods. 

The court was told that CCTV footage had shown the two parents didn’t realise their child had taken a small toy outside. When approached by staff member Darren Owens, McDonagh clenched his fists and told him: “Do you not know who I am? I’m a McDonagh and we sort things out fist-to-fist.” 

The defendant then pushed the injured party with force and threatened to break his jaw and take him to a nearby field to fight. When police arrived, McDonagh lunged at officers before being pulled away by the woman. McDonagh told police there had been a heated discussion between himself and Mr Owens. He denied threatening him but admitted pushing him but not with force. He was charged with unlawful assault. 

District Judge Nigel Broderick said the incident must have been “a frightening and traumatic experience for the member of staff” concerned. He added: “Resorting to violence is no way to resolve any dispute”.       

 McDonagh was given a four month prison sentence, suspended for two years on condition that he doesn’t re-offend. He was also ordered to pay £150 in compensation to the injured party.