Ordered to pay compensation to victim of attack

Martin John King, Brookfield Meadows, Banbridge, was given a conditional discharge for unlawful assault on July 18 last year.

He was also ordered to pay a £15 offender’s levy.

The court heard that the injured party had been out walking when he was approached by King.

The defendant had his dog with him.

The dog was off its lead and the defendant had the lead wrapped around his hand.

King became aggressive for no apparent reason and struck the injured party on his head, causing him to stumble.

The dog’s lead made contact with his chest.

When interviewed by police King said: “I’m so sorry. I just made a mistake.”

The case had been adjourned from a previous court so that a pre-sentence report could be obtained.

A solicitor representing the defendant said that immediately on his arrest King said sorry.

He added that it could be seen from the report that this arose from a family dispute but there had been ‘no afters’ in relation to the matter.

The solicitor said King was assessed at a low risk of re-offending.

He said that the defendant had secured employment in Belfast and was trying to get his life back together again.

The solicitor suggested the court could leave something hanging over his head so that he would not get into this ‘stupid behaviour’ in the future.

District Judge, Mr Paul Copeland, said this was ‘impetuous, ill-judged behaviour’ and King had struck out at this man because he assumed he may have caused offence to a member of his extended family.