Earring ripped out during assault

Taylor Blemings (29), Russell Drive, Lurgan, was given 150 hours community service for assault occasioning actual bodily harm on October 28.

He was also ordered to pay £250 compensation to the injured party.

The court heard that around 7.15pm on October 28 the injured party attended at Lurgan police station saying he had been assaulted by the defendant.

Blemings had punched him on the face and while on the ground had placed his arm around his neck and choked him for 10 to 20 seconds.

The victim suffered a black right eye and there was a tear in his ear where an earring had been ripped out.

The case had been adjourned for a pre-sentence report to be obtained.

District Judge, Mr Paul Copeland, said it seemed the complainant had sought out the defendant to confront him about a missing wallet. This had deteriorated into confrontation.

A prosecution representative accepted the tearing of the earring was reckless rather than intentional.

A barrister for Blemings said he claimed he was punched first on the arm.

Judge Copeland said he considered community service was appropriate.