Derry Court: Suspended sentence for assaulting uncle

A man who assaulted his uncle has been given a suspended sentence at Derry Magistrate's Court today.

Aidan Hannigan (30) of Osborne Street in Derry admitted charges of assault and criminal damage on November 23 last.

The court heard that police were called to Rockmills to a report of an assault and were told by the injured party that his nephew, Hannigan, had shoulder charged him.

CCTV footage was checked and confirmed the injured party's story.

Later the same injured party reported that Hannigan was outside his flat kicking at the door causing damage.

Again this was observed on CCTV and Hannigan coukd be seen kicking another door again causing damage.

When interviewed the defendant said he had not been in a good place at the relevant time and he couldn't remember what had happened.

Defence counsel Stephen Mooney said the assault was at the lower end of the scale.

He said that the accused had 'a dreadful record' but was  seeking help for drug and alcohol issues.

Hannigan was sentenced to 4 months in prison suspended for two years and a Restraining Order for 12 months was imposed.