A woman was dragged along the road by her now ex-boyfriend following an assault on a night out, a court has heard.

It was heard at Enniskillen Magistrates Court on Monday, that the pair were walking home after a night out on August 27, 2021, when they got into an argument.

The injured party argued that Ethan Webb (23), of White Island Road, Moneeclogue, Belleek, had been paying too much attention to another girl in the bar.

It was during this argument that Webb punched his ex-girlfriend causing her to fall. He then dragged her along the road as she was in a semi-conscious state before taking her phone and saying he would give it back if she came home with him.

The injured party agreed as she did not know the area.

As a result of the assault, she had two black eyes and a loose tooth.

The injured party blocked Webb from contacting her but he did send a message to her bragging about causing the facial injuries.

She then went and made a statement to the police about the assault.

When Webb was asked by police about the argument he alleged that his ex-girlfriend had tried to hit him a slap and he pushed her away and because she was drunk she fell.

He made admissions about the messages but did not say anything else.

The case was originally set for a contest but Webb changed his plea on the morning it was due to be heard following advice from his legal representatives.

His barrister, Noel Dillon, accepted that the plea was late in the day but it saved the injured party from having to relive the incident in court.

Referencing the pre-sentence report, Mr. Dillon, said Webb had shown insight into his behaviour on the night.

He said Webb did not blame the action on the other lady in the bar on what should have been a great night.

But instead, he took a look at his own life and emotional health and spoke of how he was “resentful” as he had recently lost his job.

Mr. Dillon pointed out the report gave the option of a combination order for Webb which would help him tackle those issues including drinking and taking drugs.

He said the report was candid and Webb “knows he is on the very edge”.

In his ruling, District Judge Steven Keown said domestic violence is “rife in society” and he did not know “when the penny is going to drop” for those who approach such cases like this.

He said a non-custodial sentence could be considered if there was a plea at the first opportunity, but Webb had gone well beyond that by his approach and bringing the victim to court and pleading on the day of the contest.

He handed Webb an eight-month prison sentence and a two-year restraining order for assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Webb was released on bail pending appeal.