Man drank bottle of vodka and assaulted partner

A 57 year-old man who drank a ten glass bottle of vodka and assaulted his partner has been ordered to pay £315 in fines and compensation.

William Coulter, of St Canices Park in Eglinton, pleaded guilty to common assault at Derry Magistrates Court today.

The court heard that on June 20, 2014, police called to an address following a domestic disturbance.

The injured party, the man’s partner, said Coulter had drunk a ten glass of vodka and said he wanted to take ‘Librium’ tablets.

Coulter believed his partner had taken the tablets and went after her, pushing her and putting his hands on her neck and upper arms, causing a small bruise.

A police officer told the court that a neighbour had heard the woman screaming and ran to the door when the injured party came running out.

A defence solicitor said that Coulter had been ‘highly intoxicated’ and he had started drinking after ten years of abstinence.

Deputy District Judge Oonagh Mullan imposed a £150 fine, £15 offender’s levy and ordered Coulter to pay £150 compensation to the injured party.