A man who broke his partner’s jaw then drove away from the scene while drunk has been handed a four-year sentence.
Dean Milligan drove dangerously and under the influence which resulted in a police chase that only ended when he crashed.
Milligan, 36, of Crewe Road in Maghera, was sentenced for a total of five offences at Belfast Crown Court.
Judge Patrick Lynch, who divided the term equally between prison and licence, described Milligan’s driving as “appalling”.
The court heard that on April 10 2023 Milligan was at his now ex-partner’s house in Ballyclare.
After getting out of a hot tub Milligan followed the injured party into the kitchen where he threw her portable speaker at a wall, threw a chair against the kitchen door and punched her to her jaw.
As she tried to call the police, Milligan grabbed her mobile phone and threw it on the ground. This was witnessed by the injured party’s 14-year old son who dialled 999.
As this was happening, Milligan got into his car and sped off.
Officers observed Milligan driving at speeds of up to 120 miles per hour before he overshot a junction and crashed.
He was arrested at the scene and subsequently failed both a breath and blood test.
Milligan later pleaded guilty to five charges – namely assaulting the injured party and causing her actual bodily harm, causing criminal damage to items in her home including her mobile phone, dangerous driving, driving whilst disqualified and driving with excess alcohol.
Judge Lynch also disqualified Milligan from driving for four years.
