Man seriously assaulted girlfriend after accusing her of 'seeing other men' at at a Ballycastle caravan park

Neil McCartan (44) of St James Drive in the Falls area of the city, committed the offences at a caravan at the Causeway Coast Holiday Park at Ballycastle’s Clare Road in the early hours of Sunday April 19 last year, Coleraine Magistrates Court was told on Monday.

The woman suffered scrapes, bruising, swelling and cuts to her face and a bald patch where her hair was pulled out.

After attacking the woman, who was forced to flee barefoot for help, McCartan then took her car and lifted £250 out of her bank account and threw away the keys to the caravan meaning it could not be locked.

He was in court for sentencing on charges including assault occasioning actual bodily harm; theft; taking a vehicle without consent and driving without insurance.

A defence lawyer said McCartan recognises his behaviour was “absolutely disgraceful” which happened when he had completely over-indulged in alcohol leading to an “extremely hazy” recollection.

He said the incident came about “as a result of some belief of some misbehaviour” but the lawyer said that did not in any way justify the unwarranted attack.

The lawyer said McCartan took the car and helped himself to £250 from a cash machine.

He said his client had medical issues which meant jail would be unsuitable.

District Judge Liam McNally said the assault was appalling and caused severe injuries and told McCartan he not only assaulted the woman but “humiliated” her.

McCartan was jailed for four months.

The judge added it was McCartan’s 13th conviction for driving without insurance and he was banned from the road for two years and also fined £100.

He was released on his own bail of £500 pending appeal.