Took law into own hands

A MAN who took the law into his own hands after his brother was assaulted was given a 10 month prison sentence suspended for three years.

David Michael Quinn (27), of Deans Grange, Craigavon was convicted on a charge of wounding at an earlier court.

Thursday's sitting of Craigavon Magistrates Court was told an assault was reported to have taken place at Clonmeen by the injured party.

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He had been approached by the defendant and asked was he James and had he beaten the defendant's brother. The defendant then punched him in the face and punched him on the ground.

The injured party was left with a severely swollen left eye and required three staples to a head wound.

The defendant was later arrested and interviewed, he denied committing the assault and said he had not left the house.

An ID parade was carried out and the injured party positively identified Quinn.

When charged Quinn made no reply.

The court was told Quinn had a previous record.

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The defending solicitor said his client had a conviction for common assault and a suspended sentence he has over him referred to a matter after his arrest for the wounding charge.

Quinn, the solicitor said, had been in steady employment but had lost his job due to the recession.

He said Quinn had been told his younger brother had been assaulted and had taken the law into his own hands, he now regrets that.

District Judge Alan White interjected: "He didn't regret it enough to plead guilty."

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The solicitor said Quinn now accepts that guilt and asked that the judge accept the recommendation for a suspended sentence made in a probation service report before the court.

He said the incident had been fuelled through drink and loyalty to family.

Mr White said the report had considered all the circumstances: "There is no doubt in my mind you could have been going into custody for nine months."

He said Quinn had wasted the court's time and had the injured party called.

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The report, he said, had identified Quinn as a low risk of reoffending: "With some hesitation I will suspend the sentence."

As well as the 10 month term suspended for three years he ordered Quinn to pay 300 compensation.

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