Man who barged into house admits he was high on drugs

A man who denied a charge of assault causing harm arising out of an incident in a Dundalk estate, has admitted being high on drugs when he barged into the house.

Jonathan McKnight (23), 39 Church View, Dromiskin, was up for assaulting a female causing her harm and criminal damage of a television in Glenwood on 16 October, 2018.

His solicitor Paula Tiernan said he was pleading guilty to the criminal damage offence and was prepared to accept a charge of simple assault.

However, Inspector Brendan Keane responded he was not inclined to agree to that.

The victim gave evidence that she was sitting watching television with a friend who McKnight was going out with.

She said he came to the front door which she opened and he barged through.

‘He kicked the television, broke a pint glass and threw me on the broken glass. My knee was bleeding.’

Ms Tiernan said her client accepted he broke the TV and that an assault took place.

However, he didn’t accept a charge of assault causing harm. He didn’t mean for her to fall into broken glass and injure herself in such a manner.

The solicitor continued McKnight was estranged from his family and on drugs at the time. He is now drug-free.

Jonathan McKnight said an argument ensued and he broke the TV. He said he pushed the woman because she was trying to hit him.

‘I had no intention of harming anyone. I was high on drugs.’

Judge Coughlan convicted the accused man of assault causing harm. He adjourned the case to 16 October next for a probation report and to see if McKnight is a suitable candidate for the drugs court.

The judge also wanted to see compensation of €450 to replace the television.

He was told McKnight had €200 with him and said that could be paid on account.