First Trust Bank, Enniskillen RMG92
A 53-year-old man has been jailed for five months after he punched a heavily pregnant woman in broad daylight as she tried to withdraw money from an ATM.
The horrific incident took place at the cash dispenser at the First Trust Bank on Enniskillen’s East Bridge Street on the morning of Saturday, May 14th.
Two days after the incident Enniskillen Magistrates Court heard that Dru Perry, who was nine months pregnant at the time, was at the ATM at around 11.30am with her mother when Kieran Kelly approached them. Seeing him coming, Ms Perry put her purse in her bag, however Kelly attempted to grab it from her, striking her in her arm with his closed fist and holding his fist in the air in a threatening manner.
Kelly fled, and the women called the police, giving a description of the alleged assailant. Kelly of Derrin Park, Enniskillen was arrested a short time later and taken into custody. The court was told that the injured party had feared for both her own safety and that of her unborn child during the incident.
After being arrested, Kelly told police in his interview he “couldn’t remember a single thing” about what had happened as he was “extremely intoxicated”, stating the last thing he recalled was leaving his house to go to the off licence.
Kelly, who has over 250 previous convictions, appeared before the court on Monday via video link from Magilligan for sentencing on a charge of common assault.
Defence barrister Stefan Rafferty acknowledged that his client had an extensive record and a history of alcohol abuse.
“The vast majority of these offences were alcohol induced as he has suffered with alcohol for a number of years. Despite his best efforts to abstain, he has fallen on a downward spiral as on this occasion. He had no recollection or realisation of what he was doing due to his inebriation. In the cold light of day, he presents himself as a very different individual. He is trying to make efforts to keep on the straight and narrow.”
Mr Rafferty added that his client has been sober since the incident five months ago.
District Judge Nigel Broderick said Kelly had “an atrocious record” and the incident was a serious matter.
“This was a disgraceful piece of behaviour,” he added before imposing the five month sentence.
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