Grand National bet winner assaulted partner

A BALLYCASTLE man assaulted his partner when he returned home after a stay in a pub to celebrate winning a bet on this year's Grand National.

Then 38-year-old Gary Mark Shepherd, of The Mews, drove off in a vehicle but was over the drink driving limit, a court in Coleraine was told on Friday.

A prosecutor said Shepherd grabbed his parttner by the throat and mouth and slammed a door on her.

A defence barrister said the incidents followed a domestic argument and that Shepherd had been out to watch the Grand National and won some money on a horse which won the race and then stayed too long in the bar.

When Shepherd went home there was an argument and he left in a car.

The barrister said Shepherd is still with his partner.

The defendant had a drink reading of 82/35 which was more than twice the legal limit.

Shepherd admitted charges of assaulting a female; a drink driving offence and taking a vehicle - an Audi - without the consent of the owner.

Shepherd was banned from driving for 14 months and fined a total of 500.