Man threw his partner out of bed in incident

Martin William Griffin (43), Victoria Street, was sentenced to three months in prison, suspended for two years, for assaulting the injured party and ordered to pay her £350 compensation.

He was also given a concurrent three month term, suspended for two years, for criminal damage and ordered to pay £50 to cover the cost of the damage.

The court heard that on October 17 at 10.15pm police received a report from a member of staff at an off licence concerning a female who appeared to be distressed.

She told police the defendant had thrown her out of bed by tipping it on its side and damaged a bedside light and cabinet. On October 19 Griffin was interviewed and made a full admission.

A solicitor representing the defendant said it was a fairly disgraceful episode. He explained that both parties had been drinking heavily. They had been in a relationship for 14 months and it was a volatile relationship. They were no longer together.

District Judge, Mr Paul Copeland, pointed out Griffin had 57 previous convictions. He described what happened as ‘an appalling incident’ and the courts took a serious view of abuse of women.

He said it was an ‘outrageous act of bullying’ and warned Griffin if he was convicted again of another relevant offence he may face imprisonment.