Derry man charged with two counts of assault handed suspended sentence
James Deehan (58) of Parkmore Drive was charged with two counts of assault following a relapse into alcoholism
A man has been given a suspended sentence at Derry Magistrates Court charged with two counts of assault following a relapse into alcoholism.
James Deehan (58) of Parkmore Drive in Derry admitted on August 31 last year, assaulting a woman.
Police were called to the scene of an incident where Deehan was said to be drunk and acting in a very aggressive manner.
The court heard how he had head-butted a woman, chipping her tooth.
Deehan said that he was a recovering alcoholic who had relapsed and apologized for his actions, saying that there was 'no excuse' for them.
He was also charged with, on July 22 last year, a domestic incident involving his daughter.
Deehan had been painting his daughter's house when he became aggressive due to alcohol and became physical with her, chasing her and telling her that if she didn't leave Strathfoyle she was dead.
Deehan admitted to being at his daughter's house but denied assaulting her.
Defense Barrister Stephen Chapman said that these were both 'very bad cases' but added that they were Deehan's first violent offences since 2004.
Deputy District Judge Liam McStay said that it was 'alarming that you behave this way when intoxicated', sentencing him to eight months, suspended for two years.