Courthouse row after local couple are put in prison

Courthouse row after local couple are put in prison

27 May 2015

A COUPLE were remanded in custody amidst a disturbance at Downpatrick Courthouse on Friday.

Patrick Russell (31), of Ardglass Road, Strangford, and his partner Hannah Barton (24), of Hunters Way, Ardglass, were both due to be sentenced at the Crown Court following an incident in October 2013.

Russell had admitted assault occasioning actual bodily harm against a man and harassment.

Barton, who had been in conversation with the victim shortly before the assault, admitted obstructing police.

Following a row, Russell had punched the injured party to the head but denied having keys between his fingers at the time as the victim suggested, stating he was only wearing his ring. The man was left badly bruised and swollen.

The court heard there there was history between the pair.

When Barton was questioned by police she denied any involvement and said Russell was not at home, but he was found by officers in her bed and had to be restrained during arrest. 

During interview he initially made no comment.

The court heard that the injured party received calls from withheld numbers from Russell along with a number of violent threats.

A prosecuting lawyer said Russell had 23 previous convictions, including convictions for violence.

Defence lawyer Eugene Grant QC said this case was “of some vintage”.

He also reminded the Judge Piers Grant that the case could potentially have been dealt with in the lower magistrates’ court. Russell had originally been charged with attempted grievous bodily harm against the man, which was ped after he pleaded to the lesser assault charge.

“There has been a pre-existing bad feeling between the Ctwo historically before this night in question,” said.

Mr Grant. “Mr Russell said he had lent him money to buy a car and it had not been repaid.”

Heated exchanges between prosecution and defence followed over Russell’s criminal record and alleged future offending since the incident in October 2013. 

It resulted in Judge Grant adjourning the case for further clarification and placing the defendants in custody.

“What is absolutely clear is that this man is a violent man who must behave himself,” he said.

Barton, a mother of young children, became distressed at this unexpected development but Judge Grant said the pair had “only themselves to blame” if they had not considered this possibility.

He said: “These are very serious offences. This is clear and calculated. This is top end.”

Russell shouted “scumbag” at the judge amongst over offensive remarks as he was led to the cells. A threat was also shouted at a police officer at the back of the court.

A second man at the back of the court also approached the police officer.

The court was then cleared as police arrived at the scene.

Russell’s case is due to reviewed today and Barton is due to be sentenced on Monday.