Derry man given suspended sentence after admitting to 'serious and unprovoked assault'

A man has admitted a charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm on a man when he appeared at Derry Magistrates Court. 

Brian Deehan, 39, of Clonmeen Drive in Strathfoyle in Derry, was charged with assaulting a man at a party in Clon Dara on November 11, 2021 occasioning him actual bodily harm. 

The court heard that both Deehan and the victim were guests at a party when Deehan began to shout at the victim, proceeding to punch him in the face and kicking him when he was on the ground. 

Defence solicitor Michael Donaghey said that it was a nasty assault and that alcohol was involved for both parties.

He also pointed out that Deehan had an extensive record but that it was mostly for motoring offences.

District Judge Barney McElhom said that is was a 'serious and unprovoked assault' that 'could've turned out much worse' and sentenced him to nine months in custody, suspended for two years.