Tyrone man punched former girlfriend in the face and locked her in his house

Police were met by the brother of the injured party outside an address in Benburb on the afternoon of October 24. He said that his sister was inside and was not being allowed to leave.

As the officers attempted to gain access through the locked front door the injured party ran from the house in tears. She stated that the defendant, Gregory Kelly, 49, from Riverview Bungalows, had smashed her phone and had punched her in the face.

She also had a cut to her hand and was holding her shoulder in pain.

“This man is in full time work as a taxi man,” Mr Blaine Nugent, defending, said. “He is a full time carer for his 17-year old daughter. He is a man of good character with nothing like this on his record.

“It is against this backdrop that I ask the court to stay it’s hand.”

Deputy District Judge Peter King said, “Custody is almost inevitable for this type of offending. The question I have is if prison would benefit the victim, you (the defendant) or society?”

After consideration he handed down 100-hour Community Service Order, a two year Probation Order, and a £250 Compensation Order.