Eamonn McManus: Jail for man who struck ex-partner with ornament

A Belfast man has been jailed for 15 months after he attacked his ex-partner with a glass ornament.

Eamonn McManus, with an address given as Short Strand, will spend the same period on supervised licence.

The 42-year-old pleaded guilty to a single count of wounding after the incident in November 2022.

The judge said the attack, in which the woman was struck to the temple, was a "nasty incident".

Belfast Crown Court heard the victim had called to McManus's home to take him shopping, and he told her: "I have got you where I want you now."

McManus struck her on the face and dragged her into a bedroom, hitting her with the ornament and causing her to fall to the floor.

"While she was on the ground, he struck her more than once in the same area," the prosecuting barrister said.

The court heard she then stood up and shouted for help.

'Blood on her face'

McManus grabbed her around the neck and pushed her towards the kitchen to stop her leaving the house.

Only after she used a television remote to bang on the walls and call for help were neighbours alerted and knocked on the front door.

When McManus opened it, the victim "ran out with blood on her face and clothes", the court heard.

During police interviews, McManus claimed his ex-partner had punched and tried to stab him and he denied striking her with the object.

The court was told the victim was treated for multiple head injuries in hospital and glue was applied to a laceration to her temple.

Passing sentence, Judge Mark Reel said photographs of the injuries were "dramatic".

"This was a particularly nasty incident and the injuries inflicted could have been much worse," he added.