A COURT has heard how police responded to a domestic violence incident in which a man had turned on his mother and grandmother. However, in the aftermath, the defendant was left wracked with guilt and could not explain his behaviour as he acknowledged the victims “did everything for him.”
Twenty-one-year-old Caolan Hackett from Murley Court, Fivemiletown pleaded guilty to assaulting the women by putting them in fear, and to damaging property in his grandmother’s home on December 21.
East Tyrone Magistrates Court was told police were called by Hackett’s mother shortly before 4am, who said he was behaving in “an erratic and threatening manner.”
The women were in a separate room to Hackett who was alleged to be holding a knife.
Police body-worn camera footage showed them to be distressed and in fear.
A number of items in the grandmother’s house were damaged in the incident.
Hackett was arrested and noted to be highly intoxicated.
Later during interview he had very little recall but was devasted by his actions.
A defending lawyer said that his client “Accepts his behaviour fully and frankly”, and has paid his grandmother £160 to cover the damage which he caused.
She and the defendant’s mother were in attendance at court to support him.
The defence referenced a comment made by Hackett during interview in which he stated, “I’m really sorry. I can’t explain my behaviour. They do everything for me.”
District Judge John Meehan noted the content of a pre-sentence report which highlighted significant emotional distress.
He told Hackett, “It is recommended you see your GP and I agree with that assessment. I accept your remorse is genuine”.
In order to provide a degree of support, he imposed a 12 month probation order.
Whilst intending to impose compensation for the damage caused, Judge Meehan said that he was satisfied this had been discharged in full and therefore an order was not required.
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