Derry man jailed for six months for domestic abuse and assault

A man has been jailed at Derry Magistrates Court for domestic abuse and assault charges. 

Robert Canning, 40, of Great James Street in Derry, appeared charged with domestic abuse and assault on his former partner in July this year. 

The court heard that his ex-partner called police after cutting herself with a knife.

The victim said Canning had subjected her to mental torture during the course of their relationship, including stopping her from seeing her friends and family.

She said that Canning had tortured her to the point of wanting to kill herself.

When interviewed, Canning denied the charges.

Defence Barrister Eoghan Devlin told the court that Canning had pleaded guilty and that he was not going to contest the charges. 

He also said that Canning had said he had no plans to go near his former partner.

District Judge Barney McElhom sentenced him to six months in custody and imposed a three year restraining order.