Lisburn court heard man 'slapped his father across the face and grabbed him around the throat'

Stephen Curran, 42, whose address was given as Garnock Drive in Belfast, appeared before Lisburn Magistrates Court charged with common assault.

The court heard that on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at 11pm, police responded to a report of a domestic incident at an address in Lagmore.

The injured party said that his son had arrived home intoxicated and an altercation had ensued, during which the defendant slapped his father across the face and grabbed him around the throat.

The police noted the injured party was bleeding from his nose and had bruising around his neck.

During interview the defendant stated there had been an altercation but denied the allegation of assault.

In a previous court appearance during which the defendant pleaded not guilty, it was stated that his father did not appear as a witness. The defendant was subsequently found guilty on the papers before the court.

It was stated that a police constable was able to prove that the defendant had made admissions to the charge.

A defence lawyer said: “It stands to his credit that he made admissions to police at the time. He accepts responsibility and since the incident there has been nothing further.

"He is a 42-year-old bricklayer and he works hard. He had shown regret and remorse.”

District Judge Rosie Watters, addressing the defendant, commented: “You are not a complete stranger to this court but it is a positive pre-sentence report.”

Ms Watters imposed a prison sentence of three months, which she suspended for 18 months.