A 45-year-old Irvinestown man faces a £500 fine for assaulting his partner.

Sitting at Fermanagh Magistrate's Court, the Resident Magistrate Liam McNally heard how at approximately 7.30pm on Tuesday, 20th November last year, police received a call from the injured party, Michelle Flynn. She told officers that had been slapped in the face by the defendant, causing swelling.

The defendant, Malachy Maye from Brownhill Meadows was arrested and cautioned and made no reply. He denied assaulting his partner.

Defending, Maye's solicitor told the Court his client was a 45-year-old man who had been a market trader for 20 years. He submitted that he was an alcoholic and that alcohol played a major role in events.

He said he had came home and had a row with his wife and, in the heat of the moment had hit her. He had initially denied the assault but now accepted his guilt, apologised and was ashamed of his behaviour.

Mr McNally noted that most of Maye's record related to motoring offences with the last violent entry dating back to 1982, some 25-26 years ago.

For the assault, he imposed a £500 fine.