Birthday celebrations land mother in court

Julie Ann Metcalfe from Grovehill, Banbridge was told by the Judge that her behaviour was “disgraceful and most unscenely”.

She was bound over to keep the peace for two years in the sum of £500 and ordered to pay her female victim £200 compensation.

She was warned if she doesn’t pay the compensation within 8 weeks she could go to prison for a week.

The court heard how Metcalfe, who has one child and is now five months pregnant became involved in what a PPS prosecutor described as an “unsavoury incident” outside the Coach Inn on September 1, 2013 at 1.20am.

She was observed in a scuffle and seen pulling another woman’s hair, slapping and scratching her.

She was heavily intoxicated and became very aggressive kicking out at police. Attempts were made to separate her and when she did walk off, she then assaulted a male by punching him.

When questioned later she admitted, “I throw my hands up. I punched him but I don’t know him.”

Metcalfe told police that earlier in the evening she accidentally spilled a drink inside the premises and this led to the outside altercation.

Officers noted that the female injured party was missing hair and had small scratches and bruising. The male victim complained of a sore jaw but did not need medical attention.

Solicitor Mr McMahon said his client had been out celebrating her 21st birthday and had consumed a lot of alcohol.

“She very quickly became very intoxicated and it was a case of drink in and wit out.”

He said Metcalfe accepted the facts and stressed she had acted out of character.

He said she was extremely embarrassed and contrite.