Man punched and threatened to kill partner during row

Factory worker Benjamin Sousa Henriques from Lambfield Meadows, Dungannon, had previously admitted making the death threat and assaulting the female during an argument on January 16 this year.

Henriques was also ordered to take part in any work programme authorised by his Probation supervising officer and complete a relationships programme.

Deputy District Judge Sean O’Hare also made a destruction order in respect of the knife seized by the police.

Counsel prosecuting said police attended an address following the report of a domestic incident.

She said there had been an argument between the defendant and the victim.

The lawyer said the injured party went upstairs and was followed by the defendant who grabbed her and punched her in the mouth and left cheek.

Counsel said he then put a knife to her throat and threatened that he would kill her.

A cousin of the injured party intervened and pulled the defendant away and provided police with a statement collaborating the victim’s account, the court heard.

Counsel said during a police interview Henriques denied both charges and said they had been arguing over family matters.

He said he had been cutting meat in the kitchen at the time and had ran up the stairs with it.

Deputy District Judge O’Hare remarked in the pre-sentence report there was an issue about the defendant’s acceptance of guilt.

He asked the court clerk to read the charges again to the Henriques and with assistance from an interpreter, replied: “guilty”.

Defence lawyer Noel Dillon pointed out the defendant had said in the report that he had no intention of killing her.

Mr Dillon said the defendant admits that he was drunk at the time and “might have said something”.

He said the Social Services were aware of this case and have been working with the family.

Mr Dillon said the defendant knows there was no justification for his behaviour, and added the relationship with his partner had resumed.

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