A 73-year-old man from Lurgan has been jailed for one month after pleading guilty to assaulting his partner. Gerald Maguire, of Drumnamoe Gardens, appeared at Craigavon Magistrates Court via video link from Maghaberry Prison.

The court heard that on October 22, police responded to a report of a domestic incident at the woman's home. Maguire had gone there to retrieve a bank card he had lent her for petrol. A prosecutor said that during the visit he became aggressive, shouted, and pushed her on the shoulder, causing her to stumble.

Maguire was arrested and told police he was angry at the time.

His solicitor, Philip Reid, said Maguire had already served three weeks in custody because he could not provide a suitable bail address. Reid acknowledged the seriousness of domestic violence but described the push as being at the lower end.

District Judge Michael Ranaghan said the offence could be considered low level but stressed that domestic violence involves disrespect, hurt, and a breach of trust. He noted that Maguire had no prior record, admitted the offence, and pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity.

Maguire was sentenced to one month in jail, which includes the domestic violence aggravator. A six-month restraining order with a no-contact condition was also imposed in relation to the victim.