Community Service for drunk who attacked elderly tourists

A drunk rugby player who attacked two Australian pensioners has been given 160 hours of community service by a local Judge.
Ballymena Courthouse. INBT02-213ACBallymena Courthouse. INBT02-213AC
Ballymena Courthouse. INBT02-213AC

Jonathan Milliken (23), Craiganboy Park, Glynn, Larne attacked the two elderly tourists as they rested at the Galgorm Estate on September 8, 2013.

The 23-year-old pleaded guilty to charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, common assault and causing damage to pyjamas.

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A previous hearing was told that the two men aged 73 and 71 had been staying in one of the resort’s cottages when they heard a noise at about five in the morning.

When one of the men got up to investigate they were met by Milliken who attacked him, punching him in the face and ripping his pyjama top.

It was added that the other pensioner ran into the living room and a struggle occurred which resulted in the victim falling and banging his head off a settee.

Both men fled the cottage and raised the alarm and when officers arrived, they found Milliken asleep in one of the gentlemen’s beds, the court heard.

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A defending solicitor told Ballymena Magistrates Court that Milliken was a ‘productive member of society’.

Defence added his client had no recollection of the incident and had “cried to the investigating police officer.”

He said: “This is totally out of character, he goes to church every weekend. Since that date he has been continuing with his studies.

“He personally apologised to the victims and his father offered to pay the cost of their holiday.”

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Defence claimed Milliken said he thought he was in his cottage.

A member of the prosecution said that the pair had to go to hospital with one of the men receiving tests for ‘suspected broken ribs’.

Defence said that up until this incident the defendant had been coaching rugby and he hoped to study sports science at university.

District Judge Des Perry ordered that Milliken pay the £2000 in costs for the two victim’s flights back to Northern Ireland for the original contest hearing.

Milliken was sentenced to 160 hours community service, Judge Perry said “It’s up to you to complete this before you go to University.”

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