Court told assault was sparked by social distancing dispute
Jason Thomas Strain, Drumbeg Drive, Dunmurry, was sentenced at Belfast Magistrates Court after he admitted charges of common assault, disorderly behaviour and possessing cannabis.
A prosecutor told District Judge Mark Hamill that police were called to a Tesco store on the Ormeau Road on May 28.
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Hide AdWhen officers arrived they saw an intoxicated Strain being verbally abusive and he was handcuffed.
Strain was arrested and when searched was found to be in possession of a herbal cannabis.
Police were made aware that a man had been threatened and struck by Strain at a nearby ATM.
A prosecutor said Strain had been standing close to the man, started acting aggressively then struck out at him.
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Hide AdSolicitor Norman Shannon said his client Strain was “very drunk at the time” and at the ATM, words were exchanged about social distancing.
District Judge Mark Hamill handed Strain a three-month sentence and also fined him £150 for the drugs offence.