Man assaulted wife in front of disabled daughter

Ilker Karatas, with an address in the Simon Community, Belfast, pleaded guilty to common assault on August 7, last year.

Derry Magistrate’s Court heard that the 47-year-old became ‘angry’ over a letter that had arrived from a housing association about ongoing neighbouring disputes.

The disagreement ‘escalated’ and Karatas began using absuive language.

He ‘lost his temper’ and pointed his finger at his wife in a threatening manner.

The court heard the defendant then pushed the chair his daughter was sitting in, as that was separating him and his wife.

The injured party struck Karatas because she feared for her safety and the safety of her daughter.

Karatas then launched what was described as a ‘sustained assault’ on his wife.

The defendant struck the woman to the head and body. He also kicked her to her lower body as she lay on the floor.

Karatas struck his wife on the left hand side of her chest, where she had a defibrillator implanted.

The court heard the assault took place in front of the couple’s severely disabled 10-years-old daughter.

It was revealed the injured party suffered soreness to the back of her head; bruising to her chest and legs and redness around the eye.

During police interview, Karatas made counter allegations that his wife was ‘cursing and punching him’.

Defence Counsel, Ciaran Roddy, said this was an ‘isolated incident’ and there is no domestic violence history between them.

He added this was an ‘unfortunate incident in the course of what could be appropriately described as a loveless marriage.’

Mr Roddy said the 47-year-old was ‘observing Ramadan’ on the date of the offence and was more agitated than normal’.

The barrister added that tensions between the couple had reached ‘boiling point’ and after being struck by the injured party Karatas ‘lost his temper.’

He told the court Karatas knows his behaviour was ‘unacceptable’ and ‘has expressed remorse for his actions’.

Imposing 150 hours community service order, Deputy District Judge Noel Connolly said ‘this is a direct alternative to imprisonment’.

He warned the defendant: “If you fail to complete that order it can be revoked and you will be re-sentenced.”