A 45-YEAR-OLD man who attempted to choke his partner and threatened to kill her after she refused to go on a bus trip has received a suspended jail sentence and been ordered to pay his victim £500 compensation.

Emmanuel Sloan, of Aghagay Park, Newtownbutler, had strenuously denied unlawfully assaulting his now-former partner and threatening to kill her on a date between June 3 and 6, 2016.

However, he was convicted on both charges after a contest was heard before Fermanagh Magistrates Court. A pre-sentence report had been ordered in the case.

At his sentencing on Monday, the court heard that, on June 30 last year, the injured party made a report of domestic violence to the police. She alleged that she had been assaulted by the defendant, who was her partner, between 11pm and midnight on June 4.

The woman told police that Sloan had returned home at around 8pm, and the couple got into a verbal argument after she refused to go a bus trip on the following day.
Over the next few hours, the defendant became threatening and abusive and began “throwing things and banging doors” downstairs in the property.

He later returned to the bedroom and brought up the subject of the trip again. After she refused to go once more, Sloan punched her to the head several times and then jumped up on top of her, putting his hand over her mouth and nose.

As he attempted to choke and smother her, the woman began to feel faint. He then stopped for no reason and got off, before going downstairs.

During the incident, the defendant allegedly told the woman: “I have to kill you right now and I have the power to do so.”

He later informed the injured party that it had been her fault and she had made him do it.

The injured party subsequently went to a friend’s house and contacted the police.

When the defendant was interviewed, he denied the assault. Asking to make a counter-allegation, Sloan couldn’t account for the woman’s injuries.

He claimed that she had fabricated the story and caused the injuries to herself, the court heard.

Defending counsel, Stephen Fitzpatrick, told the court that his client appreciated that his liberty was at stake.
Mr Fitzpatrick said that the defendant had acknowledged that his behaviour had been unacceptable and now accepted the trauma that his former partner had underwent.

Describing him as “very remorseful”, the barrister said that, according to the report, Sloan did not pose a risk of significant harm.

In mitigation, Mr Fitzpatrick said that the defendant had a clear record and previous good character. He handed in a reference from a former employer and a letter written to the judge by the defendant.

District judge, Nigel Broderick, observed that, normally, an offence of this nature would attract a custodial sentence.

The judge further stated that the injured party had given a completely “credible and reliable” account of the incident during the contest.

However, Mr Broderick said that the defendant had now accepted the verdict of the court and made clear his remorse and determination that this would not happen again.

In the circumstances, the judge imposed a four-month jail term, which he suspended for 18 months.

He also ordered Sloan to pay £500 compensation to his victim.