Six month jail term for assault

Barry Rainey, Union Street, Lurgan, was sentenced to six months in custody last Wednesday at Craigavon Magistrates Court for common assault on December 20.

The court heard that police had gone to an address in Lurgan in relation to an ongoing domestic dispute.

They spoke to the injured party who was upset and distressed. She said Rainey had grabbed her by the neck and punched her on the face. At the time he was her partner.

Rainey told police: “I just got out of prison. My mum just dropped us off and we were having a bit of an argument.”

He admitted there was a verbal argument about text messages but denied any assault.

Rainey contested the assault charge but after a hearing, where the injured party gave evidence, he was convicted. A restraining order was granted on the day of the contest.

Sentencing had been adjourned so that a pre-sentence report could be obtained.

A barrister representing Rainey said he was no stranger to custody and this happened quite soon after he had been released from prison.

He added that the defendant had received a suspended sentence in the Crown Court in November for drugs offences.

The lawyer said that both parties had drink on board in what was a drunken argument and the victim received a fat lip. Their relationship had now ended.

He added that Rainey was quite fearful about going into custody again and asked the court to leave something hanging over his head.