Defendant had ‘come out the worse’ in fight

Twenty-nine-year-old Samuel Lynd, from Ballynagarve Road, had been convicted in his absence of common assault and disorderly behaviour on March 26, 2018.

Bail of £300 was fixed pending an appeal against the sentence.

The court heard that Lynd’s assailant had been convicted and fined at a previous court.

Prosecuting counsel said when police attended a report of an assault they spoke to Lynd who was in a chip shop.

She said the defendant told police he had been assaulted and they noted he had a split lip and some loose teeth.

Counsel said examination of the town CCTV system showed the main aggressor getting into a black car and leaving the area.

A defence lawyer said the defendant had been involved in a fight with this other man who had been convicted of assault causing actual body harm.

He explained a decision had been taken to prosecute both of the participants.

Deputy District Judge Noel Dunlop remarked that it was his recollection that Lynd had “come off the worse” in the fight.

The lawyer said the defendant had not participated in the court process at the time and was convicted of the charges in his absence.

He explained the defendant had been dealing with his financial affairs and a relationship problem and had forgotten about prosecution papers. The lawyer said the worked as a self employed joined and has a limited record.

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