Court told man assaulted wife

James Hetherington (27), of Brecanlea in the village, admitted one charge of assault relating to an incident on January 15 last.

Londonderry Magistrate’s Court heard that police were called to his home following a domestic incident and, on arrival, there were several smashed household items in the garden.

They spoke to the 27-year-old who told police he had an argument with his wife, things got heated and she kneed him in the groin.

Hetherington told police he did not wish to make a complaint about this, before telling them he had lashed out and kicked her on the shin.

After speaking to the woman, police arrested the 27-year-old and, when cautioned, he replied: "I kicked her."

Defence solicitor Seamus Quigley told the court the assault occurred when Hetherington had consumed a considerable amount of alcohol.

He said this has been a problem for him in the past but he is now taking steps to address it.