Waved hammer in employee’s face

A 45 year old Banbridge businessman who got into a “heated discussion” with an employee resulting in him lifting a hammer, has appeared before the local court.

David Stephen Lyness from Rathview originally faced a charge of common assault on Stuart Faulkner, but the court agreed to the charge being withdrawn if Lyness agreed to be bound over to keep the peace for two years.

A PPS prosecutor explained how the incident occurred at work during a heated discussion.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Lyness waved the hammer in front of the man’s face, said the prosecutor.

She also told the court that since the incident there has been no animosity between the pair and the man didn’t work for Lyness anymore.

In fact, she said the complainant had opened up another shoe shop in the vicinity of his previous employer.

Solicitor Mr Michael Gillen said his client had been in business for 24 years and he had taken on the complainant at the age of 17 and he had worked there for nine years.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

District Judge Mr Paul Copeland said he was in no doubt that Lyness was a “dutiful industrious law abiding citizen.”

“This was a lapse in judgement on your part brought on by exasperation and frustration.

“You took a robust response and you restrained yourself.”

Lyness was bound over and prohibited from entering into disorderly behaviour for two years.

Mr Copeland added, “You would do well to keep your temper in order.”

Related topics: