Belfast man given Probation Order after assaulting partner in front of child

The victim was able to flag down a passing police vehicle

A Belfast man who assaulted his partner whilst stealing her phone was made the subject of an 18-month Probation Order on Tuesday.

The incident occurred last February in the presence of the woman’s 12-year old child. Christopher McNarry, 39, from Laganvale Street, was sentenced at Belfast Crown Court on charges of theft and common assault.

At around 4pm on February 21, 2024 the injured party was at home when McNarry arrived at her front door. She let him in and once inside, McNarry began to verbally abuse her and accuse her of having affairs.

Her 12-year old daughter then entered the room and hugged her and in the presence of the child, McNarry made a grab for her mobile phone.

He placed his hands on her shoulders and arms then as he was reaching over her, he pushed her over. As she fell backwards, she grabbed hold of his sleeve which resulted in him falling on top of her.

She kicked out and after McNarry took her phone, he left the house. She ran out and was able to flag down a passing police vehicle and McNarry was arrested.

Despite initially claiming he owned the phone, McNarry pleaded guilty to both charges.

Crown barrister Samantha Madden confirmed that whilst McNarry and the woman were in a relationship at the time, there was no previous history of domestic abuse.

Defence barrister Taylor Campbell described the incident as “brief and relatively minimal” and said that following a verbal argument there was physical contact which amounted to a push.

Saying McNarry was a man with “startling” deficits, Mr Taylor added he “struggles to function in nearly every aspect of his life.”

As he sentenced McNarry, Judge Mark Reel noted his limited intellect and long-term mental health problems. Judge Reel said he also accepted McNarry’s assertion that the incident occurred in the heat of the moment and that he never intended to assault his now ex-partner.

The Judge said that after reading a statement made by the victim it was clear she found the incident “to be traumatic”.

He added that whilst no injury was caused, the incident occurred in the victim’s own home and in the presence of her child. As he imposed the 18-month Probation Order, Judge Reel said this would ensure McNarry’s rehabilitation and protect the public from the risk of further offending.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.