Probation for Monaghan man who assaulted partner outside Tesco

James Joseph Gray (43) of  Scotstown, Co Monaghan, was sentenced at Enniskillen Magistrate's Court on Wednesdsay, February 28. 

A prosecutor told the court how on June 15, 2023 at around 3.09pm, police received a report that a woman had been assaulted by a man at the carpark of Tesco, Enniskillen. 

The injured party told police that she was walking across the carpark when she was approached by Gray, and an altercation occurred. 

The injured party said she recalled being punched on her face and lip. A Tesco employee witnessed the assault and tried to intervene, which caused Gray to back away. 

Gray then left the scene in a car. 

He was arrested on July 5 for the offence. In an interview he claimed that his partner had "went away and never came home", which caused him to worry. As a result, he was "driving around half the night".

A solicitor described Gray as a self-employed man with a "good work ethic", and a father to three young children. He added that following the incident, the relationship was "over". 

"He accepts he should not have acted in the manner he did", the solicitor said.

"The matter happened last year and he is keen to put it behind him."

District judge Alana McSorely said imposed a probation order, which she said would give Gray "a greater understanding" of domestic abuse related issues.