Derry Court: Suspended sentence for domestic assault of his 17 week pregnant partner

A man who admitted assaulting his 17 week pregnant partner has been given a suspended sentence at Derry Magistrate's Court today.

James Donegan (27) of Drumleck Drive in Derry admitted a charge of assault and one of criminal damage that occurred on April 20 2020.

The court heard that police received a report of the defendant shouting at his pregnant partner. 

She was taken to hospital to be checked out and while there she confided in a social worker that the defendant had assaulted her that morning. 

When interviewed Donegan said became into the room and believed that the woman was texting someone and tried to get the phone off her. 

He said she had stood in the doorway preventing him leaving the room and he had pushed her out of the road. 

He admitted when he went downstairs he punched two holes in the wall. 

Defence counsel Dean Mooney said his client had pleaded at the first opportunity. 

He said he accepted that the domestic element was an aggravating factor as was the fact the woman was pregnant at the time. 

The barrister said that Donegan had shown 'regret and remorse.' 

Donegan was sentenced to 4 months in prison suspended for two years and ordered to pay £600 in compensation.