Former Coach owner was hit with a bottle

Glen Bell from Dean Park, Carrickfergus, was sentenced to six months in jail which was suspended for two years.

He was also ordered to pay compensation of £300 to Dominic Quinn.

A PPS Prosecutor explained how on 26 May after 12pm the owner of the Coach Inn reported to police that he had been the victim of an assault.

There had been an altercation and Bell had used a bottle and struck Mr Quinn resulting in a lump on his head.

Police were called and Bell was restrained and searched, resulting in the discovery of a Class A drug PMMA - which the court heard has similar effects to Ecstasy.

When cautioned Bell said, “he hit me first I want him arrested. I’ll drop mine when he drops his.”

A solicitor said Bell knew this incident was “particularly unsavoury.”

He said a probation report on his client demonstrated a good understanding of how his actions had affected the injured party.

Referring to the drugs seized, the court was reassured it was less than a quarter of a gram and was for personal use.

He told Judge Ievers that substance misuse had plagued his life and he continues to undergo counselling for addictions problems.

Judge Ievers addressed Bell saying, “You must have realised just how ugly this incident was. I hope you will be making every effort to address these problems.”

He was given 26 weeks to pay the compensation.