Man sentenced for assaulting pregnant girlfriend at Derry court
A man has been sentenced at Derry Magistrate's Court for assaulting his pregnant girlfriend.
Josh Brennan (25) of Derry Road in Strabane was arrested on August 16 after his girlfriend reported that he had assaulted her following an argument.
The argument evolved following the woman’s suspicions that he was texting other women, the court heard.
Brennan was said to have started shouting and to have put his hands around the neck of the injured party but did not apply pressure.
The injured party was 22 weeks pregnant at the time of the assault, and told police that Brennan had never raised his hand to her before.
She also told police that she believed he was under the influence of drink or drugs at the time.
When interviewed, Brennan initially claimed that the allegations were 'made up', but later pleaded guilty.
Speaking during the hearing at the court in Derry on Friday, Defence solicitor John McManus said that Brennan had remained in contact with the mother of the injured party, and hoped to be present for his baby that is due in December.
District Judge Ted Magill said that the court took 'an extremely dim view' of domestic abuse, calling it 'a blight on society'.
He noted that there were no reported injuries in this case, and that Brennan had a clear record up to this point.
The District Judge sentenced Brennan to three months in custody, suspended for two years, and a two year restraining order was also put in place.