Family dispute led to Derry man facing criminal damage charge

A family dispute led to a man appearing at Derry Magistrate's Court charged with assaulting and criminal damage involving his step father.

Stephen Deehan (43) of Derryview in Derry admitted a charge of assault and one of criminal damage that occurred on September 21 last year.

The court heard that the injured party was in his vehicle on Newmarket Street and saw his step son, Deehan, approach and begin kicking the wing mirror. 

The victim believed Deehan who he described as being 'furious' was trying to gain entry to the vehicle and was in fear of assault.

Defence solicitor Paddy MacDermott said that there was an ongoing family dispute which the defendant had so far managed to stay out of until this incident. 

He said his client 'saw red' when he observed his step father in the vehicle.

The solicitor said that there had been 'a lot of noise' and described the whole situation as 'unfortunate'.

Deehan was fined a total of £500.