A 34-year-old Belfast man has been given a suspended eight-month sentence for attacking a motorist on Dublin Road last October, after forcing his way into the victim's car and headbutting him before kicking him in the leg.

Joel Cochrane, of Earlswood Park, pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm. Belfast Magistrates' Court heard he tried to open the car using his own key while the other man was sitting inside. Cochrane shouted at him to get out, opened the door, and headbutted him on the nose.

He also tried to start the car's ignition. The assault continued after the driver pulled Cochrane out of the vehicle. Cochrane kicked the driver in the leg with what the prosecution called a powerful kick.

Hospital examinations found the victim's nose was not broken, but he had sustained a leg fracture. He wore a medical boot and could not work for a period.

Defence counsel said the victim was completely blameless and that Cochrane had shown genuine remorse. The court was told Cochrane had been attending a work colleague's leaving event and celebrating the upcoming birth of his first child. He had consumed enough alcohol to mistakenly believe the man was in his car.

Cochrane had no previous convictions, but his career in a regulated profession was put at risk by the offence. His lawyer argued that immediate imprisonment would have a catastrophic impact on his family, as he is the main earner.

Deputy District Judge Peter Prenter initially indicated he intended to impose immediate custody due to the seriousness of the offence. He then identified exceptional circumstances, including Cochrane's employment and the effect on his wife, and accepted the incident was a one-off and out of character. He imposed an eight-month term, suspended for two years, and ordered Cochrane to pay £1,000 compensation to the victim.