Man grabbed his partner by throat

George McCann (30), of Market Street, Lurgan admitted an assault charge which occurred on May 3.

McCann also pleaded guilty to another assault charge which was in relation to an incident which took place on May 3.

Lisburn Magistrates’ Court heard that on May 29 police attended the property following a report of a domestic incident.

Police spoke to the defendant who said: “I had an argument and then I choked her.”

Officers spoke to the injured party who told them that McCann had grabbed her from behind and dragged her into a bedroom.

He put his hands around the throat and began choking her, this continued for several minutes before he let her go.

Prosecution told the court that this incident left bruising around the injured party’s windpipe.

The injured party described to police that during a previous incident on May 3, McCann had elbowed the victim, striking her in the face causing her to fall.

A defending solicitor told the court that McCann had made admissions to both incidents during police interview.

Defence said his client’s attitude has always been to have the matter dealt with as “speedy as possible.”

“He can only but apologise to her. There is limited contact between the parties. A lot of building bridges to take 
place.”

Defence said that McCann would have entered a plea for a more serious charge in relation to these incidents.

The court heard that the defendant had previously been cautioned for a similar incident involving an ex-partner.

McCann was sentenced to 12 months probation and 80 hours of community service.