66 year old Newry man slapped niece in face
In interview Defendant admitted to having made physical contact with his hand to his niece's cheek.
THERE has been a fine and a compensation order handed down in the case of a Newry man who before a sitting of the cities magistrates pleaded guilty to a single charge of common assault upon his niece. Standing in the dock of the court to answer for a single count of common assault was Michael Devine (66) of the Glen , Ballinlare Newry.
The court heard how on October 5 of last year police received a victim statement from the injured party in the case, understood to be the defendant Devine's niece, in which she alleged a report of common assault had been perpetrated against her by the defendant.
More specifically the court heard how the injured party had been parked in a car in the Fiveways's carpark on October 1 of last year with her mother when her uncle, the defendant Devine walked passed.
A short verbal altercation ensued before Devine ran to the car in question which had its windows down and delivered a single slap to the right cheek of his nieces face which the court heard caused redness. In interview Devine admitted to having made physical contact with his hand to his niece's cheek.
Addressing the court a defence solicitor described Devine of being of an otherwise reputable character not withstanding the incident that occurred on October 1 being a retired plumber who still does some work for older clients and that he regrets deeply finding himself before the court.
Describing the circumstances that brought Devine before the court "as a sad case" Deputy District Judge Rice made it clear that Devine's single conviction for common assault would have social consequences for him imposing a fine of £150.00. Judge Rice would also issue a compensation order to the value of £150.00 in favour of Devine's niece opting to conclude the case on a positive note by saying "Hopefully things will mend"