Assaulted woman in 'drinking den'

Alan Mitchell, of Heron Way, pleaded guilty to one charge of aggravated assault relating to an incident on July 16, last.

Londonderry Magistrate’s Court heard that the injured party claimed the 43-year-old slapped her across the right side of her face and threw a glass towards her which struck her on the back.

The woman sustained bruising to both arms and bruises to her back and chest area.

Mitchell was arrested and admitted he had slapped her, telling police it happened after a drink fuelled argument.

A defence solicitor said that while Mitchell admitted hitting the woman, he denied causing the injuries.

He added that the injured party started fights with almost everyone in the "drinking den" and "she turned on the defendant."

The solicitor told the court Mitchell "deeply regrets this matter”.

Saying he was inclined to believe Mitchell, District Judge Barney McElholm handed down a fine of 200.

He said the assault was a "fairly low level one."