Belfast man who ‘belly bounced’ elderly neighbour gets suspended sentence

A Belfast man who assaulted an elderly neighbour by “belly bouncing” her away from his home has been handed an eight-month suspended prison sentence.

Morrison Wilson (59) must also pay a total of £1,000 compensation to the woman and her daughter for two incidents linked to a parking dispute.

Wilson will be out of pocket a further £290 after being ordered to cover the costs of damage to a television set belonging to his pensioner victim.

Wilson, of Rotterdam Court, was convicted of assaulting Margaret McMillan twice in a week. Belfast Magistrates’ Court heard how she suffered injuries when she fell in one of the incidents in October 2013.

Wilson claimed the victim had been aggressive and “sticking her nose in” as he spoke to a motorist outside his home. During a contested hearing in February he said: “With my big belly, because she was failing her hands about, I just bounced her back.” According to his account she fell backwards, landing on her tail bone area. He also claimed fertiliser was flung at him after the fall.

Questioned by the prosecution about his claim to have “bounced” his neighbour, Wilson had replied: “What am I going to do? Grab her with my belly?”

He added: “She was very aggressive, she wasn’t getting her own way... and I knew what was coming next.”

Wilson was also found guilty of offences connected to a dispute which occurred six days previously. They included assaults on both Margaret and Eleanor Wilson, being found on the elderly lady's premises for an unlawful purpose, and criminal damage to a front door, television and vase belonging to her. Two assaults on police also featured on the list of convictions.

During yesterday's sentencing hearing Sean Mullan, defending, said: "At the time of these offences it appears Mr Wilson was under pressure. I'm told there were various parking difficulties." He emphasised how his client has both mental and physical health issues.

Wilson is currently living with his sister in Lisburn, Co Antrim, and plans to secure his own accommodation in that area, the court heard.

District judge Ken Nixon imposed eight months in jail for the "belly assault" incident. He also imposed lesser prison terms for the other offences, all to run concurrent. Each of the sentences was suspended for two years.

Wilson was given six months to pay the total financial restitution.