AN Enniskillen man who assaulted his pregnant partner in a ‘disgraceful incident’ has been given a probation order.
Rory McKechnie (39) of Cleenish Park Enniskillen appeared at Enniskillen Magistrates Court on Wednesday charged with common assault and criminal damage.
On May 22nd 2018, police received a report from a woman in Roslea claiming she had been assaulted by her partner, and he had damaged items in the flat.
The woman was 23 weeks pregnant at the time of the assault.
Police were told that McKechnie had arrived at the house unexpectedly at around 3am, and he was drunk and acting aggressively.
The court heard that McKechnie had assaulted the woman by forcing his forehead against her causing injuries to her head, and hitting her with a pan. She was taken to hospital but there was no harm done to the unborn child. He also damaged a table, cooker and cupboard doors in the flat.
The defendant was arrested, and taken to Omagh police station where he gave a mainly no comment interview.
The court heard that the damaged items had been repaired by McKechnie, except the shower door.
Defence barrister Stefan Rafferty said his client has no explanation for the incident, and he had -reacted to comments that were made, adding he was regretful for his actions and he accepted responsibility.
The court heard that the victim had since told police she did not wish to continue with the complaint and made a withdrawal statement.
Mr Rafferty claimed McKechnie has gone to great lengths to deal with personal issues, and added that the relationship had now ended but the couple are in regular contact due to the child, and there had been no incidents since then.
District Judge Steven Keown said the defendant had previously been subject to a suspended sentence but it had not had the desired impact, and told McKechnie there is worrying behaviour towards women who he is in a relationship with.
Judge Keown said it had been a ‘disgraceful incident’ on an vulnerable woman by reason of her pregnancy, who should have felt safe in her own home.
He warned McKechnie that further offending would result in custody before sentencing him to an 18 month probation order.
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