Punched James McClean's father and damaged footballer's sports car

A Derry man who punched footballer James McClean's father and damaged Republic of Ireland international’s Maserati car has been given a suspended sentence and fined £500.

Aaron Dalton, 28, of Moss Park in the Galliagh area of the city, appeared before Derry Magistrates Court charged with criminal damage and common assault.

The offences took place on January 10, 2015.

The court heard Dalton became involved in an altercation with Mr McClean outside his Creggan Heights home, punching him and damaging his son, James' car, causing £945 damage.

Nicola Coulter, defence solicitor, said there had been nine years of 'bad blood' between Dalton and Mr McClean but that he held his son James (pictured) 'in high regard' and was sorry and did not mean to damage his car.

Ms Coulter said Dalton had gotten into a 'slanging match' with Mr McClean's daughter and she 'chucked a drink over him'.

She said Dalton was only an occasional drinker and had a hazy recollection of events but made some admissions to police.

Ms Coulter added Dalton made apologies to Mr McClean which was 'significant given the history between them'.

Dalton is on benefits and the full £945 was deemed 'beyond his means'.

Dalton was given a three month suspended sentence and ordered to pay back £500 for the damage caused to the vehicle at a rate of £10 a fortnight.