A FAMILY gathering ended with a man committing five assaults, a court heard.

David Daniel Finucae, 24, was given an 18-month community order with supervision and was ordered to perform 150 hours of unpaid work following the night of violence in Brynteg on June 4.

Finucae, currently of Bryn Morfa, Llandrindod Wells, was also given a restraining order for 18 months preventing him making any contact with his partner’s mother Mary Hannigan.

He had earlier pleaded guilty to two counts of assault on his partner Zarah Stone, and single count assaults on Miss Stone’s sister Hannah Hughes and neighbours Nicholas Hallam and Darren O’Brien.

Finucae also admitted causing criminal damage to a double glazed window and two child gates at a property on Bryn Isa Road, Brynteg.

The court heard on June 4 Finucae was at a barbecue on Victoria Road, Brynteg, with members of Miss Stone’s family during which he was drinking and appeared intoxicated.

Matthew Ellis, prosecuting, said Finucae fell asleep in the early evening and Miss Stone attempted to wake him up.

Finucae proceeded to grab Miss Stone’s throat and keep his hands around it for about 10 seconds before pushing the barbecue and glass patio table.

He came back and again grabbed hold of Miss Stone and made it difficult for her to breathe.

Miss Stone rang 999 as she ran to her mother’s address on Bryn Isa Road.

Finucae tried to follow her into the house and caused damage to the double glazed window panel by punching it as well as damaging the two children’s gates.

Mr Ellis said Finucae pinned Miss Hughes up against a wall and made contact with her head, with Miss Hughes the only victim to sustain an injury.

Neighbours Mr Hallam and Mr O’Brien tried to calm the situation down but the court heard Finucae committed further assaults on both of them with Mr Hallam’s
t-shirt being ripped by the defendant shortly before he was arrested.

When questioned, Finucae said he loved his girlfriend but became a bad person when he drank spirits.

Finucae had to have hospital treatment to his hand which he injured when punching the window.

Mrs Hannigan supplied written evidence to the court where she revealed she had been suffering nightmares because of Finucae and requested a restraining order be put in place.

The victim said her house was covered in blood due to Finucae punching the window and family members were having to help clean it up.

She added: “I’m really concerned for myself and my family when the court case is over.

“I fear he will try and get back with Zarah and if she resists I fear he will approach me to try and help.”

Dave Finney, defending, told the court his client was very keen to overcome his problems with alcohol and wanted to completely abstain from using it.

He added: “The remorse is genuine.”

Mr Finney said his client would be looking to move back to the Wrexham area, find work and seek to rebuild his relationship with Miss Stone.

The injury sustained by Miss Hughes was a bruise to her leg, Mr Finney said.

Finucae was ordered to pay a total of £189.50 compensation as well as £85 costs.

He was given identical community punishment orders for the assaults, which will run concurrently.