BELFAST MAN RECEIVES PROBATION FOR DOMESTIC ASSAULT AND THEFT
A Belfast man named Christopher McNarry has been given an 18-month Probation Order after he assaulted his partner in her home while stealing her mobile phone.The incident occurred last February and took place in the presence of the woman's 12-year-old child.
According to the report, the victim allowed McNarry into her house around 4pm on February 21, 2024.
Once inside, McNarry began verbally abusing her, accusing her of having affairs.
When her 12-year-old daughter entered the room and hugged her, McNarry made a grab for the mobile phone.
He then placed his hands on her shoulders and arms, pushed her over, and as she fell backwards, she grabbed his sleeve.
This caused him to fall on top of her.
She managed to kick out, and after McNarry took her phone, he left.
She was able to flag down a passing police vehicle, leading to McNarry's arrest.
Although initially claiming ownership of the phone, McNarry later pleaded guilty to both theft and common assault.
At his sentencing at Belfast Crown Court, Crown barrister Samantha Madden noted that while McNarry and the woman were in a relationship, there was no previous history of domestic abuse.
Defence barrister Taylor Campbell described the incident as 'brief and relatively minimal,' stating it was a verbal argument that escalated to physical contact, specifically a push.
The defence highlighted McNarry's 'startling' deficits and struggles to function in nearly every aspect of his life.
Judge Mark Reel sentenced McNarry to an 18-month Probation Order, emphasizing rehabilitation and public protection.
The judge also acknowledged his limited intellect and long-term mental health issues, and read a statement from the victim, noting the incident was 'traumatic' for her, especially given it occurred in her own home with her child present.
The court considered that while no injuries were caused, the significance of the incident in her own home and in front of her child justified the sentence.
