Ballynahinch man jailed for glass attack

Ballynahinch man jailed for glass attack

12 March 2014

A BALLYNAHINCH man with an “appalling record” has been jailed for over a year for throwing a pint glass at a man.

Michael McCoubrey (24) was at a friend’s party in the town on July 7 last year when a couple living in the same apartment block asked them to keep the music down.

McCoubrey was part of a group who went to confront the pair, shouting abuse.

“The defendant had a pint glass in his hand as the injured party went to close the door,” prosecuting lawyer Laura Ives told Downpatrick Crown Court on Friday. “The defendant threw the glass in his direction.”

Ms. Ives said the man required five stitches to his head following the assault. She said his nose was “bleeding profusely” and he was left with a slight scar between his eyebrows.

“The defendant claimed that the glass hit a wall before the injured party, a recollection that is hard to gainsay,” she added.

McCoubrey, found in undergrowth in Windmill Drive shortly afterwards by police, refused to give his details to officers and became abusive.

“He started to struggle,” said Ms. Ives. “He had to be placed on the ground.”

McCoubrey went on to suggest to police that he had been acting in self defence.

Noting he had received a suspended sentence in March last year for criminal damage, Ms. Ives said: “Only a few months later he committed these offences.”

Defence barrister Paul McAlinden urged Judge Piers Grant not to put the suspended sentence into operation and spare his client jail.

He said McCoubrey had been “self medicating with alcohol and drugs” but had recently undergone a “positive change” in his life.

“He has not consumed alcohol since this incident,” he said.

“I appeal for one last chance. It wasn’t a glassing per se. It was recklessness.”

Judge Grant said McCoubrey, of Loughside Drive, would receive some credit for pleading guilty but that prison was the only option having previously breached a number of community service and probation orders.

“He breaches them, he fails to turn up and shows absolutely no commitment... he has breached every order imposed,” said the judge.

Noting McCoubrey was assessed as being highly likely to reoffend, he said it was “quite clear he has not given up taking drugs”.

“If he wants help he can get it in prison,” said Judge Grant.

“You have an appalling record. You have completely failed to respond to opportunities you have been given.

“On this occasion you were clearly highly volatile and extremely worked up through drink.

I am far from convinced you have real remorse... all you are sorry for is yourself.”

McCoubrey was sentenced to a total of two years and four months, equating to 14 months in custody and 14 on licence.

A restraining order was also imposed, ordering that McCoubrey be no closer than 50 metres to the injured party.