Jail sentence for man who told police he gave an 'educational beatdown' in Larne
A man who told police he gave an "educational beatdown" to a man has received a five months jail sentence.
Christopher William Weekes (32), from Larne but with an address listed as Portstewart, was sentenced on charges of assault and disorderly behaviour at a retail park in Larne on April 19 this year.
Footage of the incident was played to Antrim Magistrates Court, sitting in Ballymena.
The injured man - aged 37 - was punched and kicked to the head in a "sustained assault". At one stage the injured party was on the ground, a witness said. The man had a cut lip, blood on his face and swelling to his head.
The defendant told police that after receiving a phone call he had gone to an area where his relatives were present.
He said he "pre-empted violence" from the injured party "given past experience" and said he was "giving the victim an educational beatdown". He admitted assault but denied kicking the victim on the ground.
A defence barrister said the defendant had a record but there had been a "significant gap". He said the defendant is doing a "university degree in forensic psychology".
The barrister said there was a "history" between the injured party and the defendant. In 2022 the injured party was sentenced for assaulting the defendant.
On April 19 last year, according to the defence, the defendant had gone to the support of family members and the "red mist descended" and it was accepted his actions were "disproportionate".
The defendant had a record - criminal damage, dangerous driving; driving with excess alcohol and failing to report an accident.
A reference from East Antrim MP Sammy Wilson in relation to the defendant was provided to the court.
District Judge Nigel Broderick said: "I wonder would he have written the reference if he had seen the footage that I have seen."
Judge Broderick told the defendant that on the day in question last April there was an allegation that the "victim had said or does something that caused your grandfather fear" and "rather than ring the police" the defendant was contacted.
He said the defendant gave the injured party a "savage beating" involving "multiple punches" and "put him to the ground and if that wasn't bad enough you then kick him when he is on the ground".
The judge said the man got up and was punched again. The man "stumbles off trying to escape" and the defendant "chased" him and assaulted him further.
The judge handed down a five months jail term and a two-year Restraining Order was also put in place. Bail in the sum of £500 was fixed for appeal.