Man threw partner down stairs

Samuel Victor Hislop, 62, was given two years probation for an attack described as “nasty”.

Hislop, a school car park attendant from Daphne Street in Belfast, pleaded guilty to a charge of common assault.

District Judge Fiona Bagnall was told the defendant abuses alcohol as part of a volatile relationship with the victim. However, the couple are expected to reconcile.

Imposing two years probation, Mrs Bagnall said: “This is a nasty incident, but he is to be credited for entering a plea at the outset.”