Christopher Melaugh, a 35‑year‑old man from Derry, has been sentenced to two months in custody and a two‑year restraining order after being convicted of assaulting his former partner on two occasions, one while she was holding their child.
The assaults occurred on the night of June 5 and early June 6 when Melaugh entered the woman’s house uninvited while the child was sleeping, grabbed her ankle, shouted, spat and punched her, forcing her to flee barefoot with the child.
District Judge Suzanne Rice said the offences were aggravated by the presence of the child, described them as “utterly reprehensible,” and noted the significant impact on the victim, sentencing Melaugh to two months’ imprisonment, imposing a two‑year restraining order and ordering £350 in compensation.
Defence counsel Stephen Chapman said Melaugh continues to deny guilt, maintains his innocence, and accepts that he should not have gone to the house.
Source: www.derrynow.com
