SHOTTON COLLIERY MAN CHUCKED SCREWDRIVER AT PARTNER ON VALENTINE'S DAY
During a heated argument on Valentine's Day, an ex-military man threw a screwdriver at his partner in anger, a court was told.The screwdriver hit the woman on her thigh, causing a wound that paramedics were tending to when police arrived at the residence in Peterlee on February 14.
The defendant, Kieran Rooney, was detained and denied causing any injuries.
Durham Crown Court heard that he acknowledged there was a dispute and that he went into the kitchen to retrieve his belongings but denied ever picking up a screwdriver.
Prosecutor Shaun Dryden stated that Rooney was unable to explain how the woman sustained her injuries.
Rooney, 31, of Stuart Walk, Shotton Colliery, was originally charged with wounding with intent and common assault related to the incident.
He described his actions on February 14 as “an impulsive, spontaneous, short-lived assault” and mentioned he was not instructed to seek a restraining order.
Defense lawyer Martin Scarborough presented character references, including one from the victim’s mother, asserting that they depict Rooney in a positive light.
An officer from Holme House Prison in Stockton, where Rooney has been detained on remand since mid-February, also provided a character reference, highlighting his good conduct during his four months in custody.
Regarding the incident, Mr.
Scarborough characterized it as “a reckless act, throwing a screwdriver during an argument,” and noted that Rooney fully admits guilt.
He explained that the defendant, a former serviceman, had experienced trauma from a family death earlier in life, which contributed to his leaving the armed forces.
Having served four months in custody, Scarborough indicated that depending on the sentence, Rooney might be eligible for immediate release due to time already served.
Once released, Rooney plans to re-enter the workforce.
