Punched a man unconcious after cars nearly crash

Joanne Machaella Liggett (48), Ballyoran Manor, Portadown, admitted assaulting a female on November 21 last year.

She was fined £250 and ordered to pay a £15 offender’s levy.

James Byrne (52), Brookdale, Banbridge, was charged with assault and disorderly behaviour on the same date.

These charges were withdrawn and instead he was bound over in the sum of £250 for 12 months to keep the peace and be of good behaviour.

The court heard police received a report of a fight caught on CCTV in Portadown and a red car was seen leaving the area.

Two sisters who were in the car were leaving their father, the defendant Byrne, off at work when they were approached by Liggett and a male person.

They opened the door of the car causing the girls considerable fear and Liggett grabbed one of them by the coat.

Then Byrne arrived back on the scene. He punched the male in the face and the victim fell to the ground.

Liggett’s case was listed as a contest last week but her solicitor said the witnesses had been stood down and she would plead guilty.

He said it was quite clear on CCTV that it was a near collision with cars which started this row and those involved later met up again.

The solicitor added that Liggett’s partner was punched and he fell unconscious to the ground while she got involved in grabbing and pushing.

Byrne’s case was also listed as a contest but he agreed to be bound over with the original charges withdrawn.