Jail for man who kicked girl in face during incident in Cookstown

Peter Haren, 21, of, Derrygonnelly, Co Fermanagh was charged with common assault and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

His co-accused, Natasha Rice, 21, of Carrowshee Park, Lisnaskea, Co Fermanagh was charged with common assault in relation to the incident in Cookstown on October 20, last year.

A court heard how the injured party and her partner were sitting on the step of a chip shop in Cookstown and the female was being sick.

Miss Rice was then alleged to have started to mock the female who was bring sick and the female shouted at her. Miss Rice then struck the female’s partner on the chest. At this point, Mr Haren tried to intervene and pull Miss Rice off the top of two people. He struck the male and proceeded to kick the female across the left side of her face causing her to lose consciousness for a period of time and requiring hospital treatment. A court heard how the injured female has suffered from headaches as a result of the injury. Mr Haren was arrested by police and when questioned said he said he knew about hitting the man but he wasn’t sure about the girl. Police obtained a short video clip taken on a mobile phone and it showed Mr Haren swinging his foot. Mr Haren told police his girlfriend, Miss Rice was lying on top of the people and he tried to get her off, he admitted swinging a punch at the male but denied kicking anyone. When police showed Mr Haren the video he admitted it was him but said he couldn’t remember the incident.

The male injured party suffered a black eye as a result of the punch. A solicitor acting for Mr Heron said her client was ashamed and embarrassed at the incident and has no previous convictions. A defence solicitor for Miss Rice said his client had no previous convictions. District Judge John Meehan sentenced Mr Haren to 4 months in prison, adding to kick so meone in the head is an ‘appalling act’. Miss Rice was given 200 hours community service plus £100 compensation.