Court told assault was sparked by social distancing dispute

A 31-year old man was handed a three-month jail term today for an assault at an ATM sparked by a socially distancing dispute.
By The Newsroom
Published 16th Jul 2020, 14:08 BST

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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When 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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Solicitor 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.