Man (25) who threw washing basin at ex-partner and bent her wrist came up with €5,000 in compensation
The Sligo ChampionA 25-year-old man who threw a washing basin at his ex-partner and bent her wrist has been given the Probation of Offenders Act.
Ro John Burns of Clane, Co. Kildare was charged with assaulting his ex-partner at Doorly Park, Sligo on August 29, 2020.
The case first came before the court on February 5, where it heard that Burns and the injured party were in a relationship but they broke up and that they had lived together at Doorly Park.
The defendant was intoxicated as he was socialising earlier on in the day in the town.
Burns then went to the injured party’s house to pick up his property. The defendant then became abusive towards the injured party and threw a washing basin at her and bent her wrist.
The court heard that Burns has no previous convictions.
Judge Cunningham directed that the case be put back for a probation and welfare report.
Mr Martin Burke, solicitor (defending) told Judge Cunningham that his client worked in the hospitality trade. He added that Burns pleaded guilty and that he had shown deep remorse.
Mr Burke continued that his client had written a letter of apology to the victim.
Mr Burke then read out various segments of the probation report. He added that Burns left school in 2019 before lockdown. He added that Burn’s father passed away and that he started drinking afterwards.
Mr Burke said that whilst in a relationship with the victim, his client’s mother got diagnosed with cancer and that Burns took this news very poorly. He continued that his client then turned to alcohol and drugs.
Mr Burke said that Burns highly engaged with the probation services. He added that his client has totally abstained from alcohol and drugs. He continued that Burns’s current partner who has been with him for 11 months has been a very positive support for him.
Mr Burke said that Burns and his partner plan to travel to the United States next year and that they are saving. He added that the probation report showed that his client completed four awareness programmes. He continued that Burns was referred to a local counsellor and did a one-on-one session.
Mr Burke said that the probation report put him at a low risk of re-offending. He added that Burn’s family has helped him with compensation and that he had €5,000 in court. He continued that he does not expect to see Burns in court again.
Judge Cunningham said that from reading the victim impact statement, the assault had a long lasting impact on the victim and that she continues to suffer to this day.
Judge Cunningham said that it was not an excuse that Burns consumed alcohol when he committed the incident. She noted that the defendant no longer consumes alcohol and that the probation service deems him to be at a low risk of re-offending. She also noted that he has come to no garda attention since.
Judge Cunningham said that Burns engaged with various services and that he had compensation for the victim. She directed Burns to give the €5,000 to the victim and applied the Probation of Offenders Act.
Judge Cunningham warned the defendant that he would only get one opportunity from the court.
Article funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.