Burnley man attacks pregnant partner and boy (16) at barbecue

Burnley magistrates heard how Gary McKinley (26) was told by his 16-year-old victim to stop being a bully when he was abusive to a little girl.

McKinley grabbed the boy by the throat and “strangled” him. The defendant’s partner hit him a few times to get him off the teenager and McKinley was pushed out of the house.

The hearing was told the defendant, who had been drinking all day, later became abusive to his partner, mother-of-three Elaine Kirby, and told her: “I hope you die of cancer” and spat at her.

Jobless McKinley, of Adamson Street, Burnley, admitted two counts of assault by beating, on April 9th.

He was given six weeks in prison, suspended for a year, and 100 hours’ unpaid work. He must pay £85 costs. Bench chairman Lynne Kemp told him the incident was a “very, very upsetting succession of events”.

Mr Andrew Robinson (prosecuting) said Miss Kirby was 36 weeks’ pregnant at the time of the assaults. The defendant was rude to a girl who was looking for food and there was pushing and shoving after the 16-year-old told him to stop threatening the child.

Mr Graeme Tindall (defending) said McKinley and Miss Kirby’s child was born on April 24th and they intended to carry on their relationship.

He had had far too much drink and for no reason whatsoever was extremely rude to the young child. The defendant recalled a clash of heads with the 16-year-old and was restraining him by pushing him out of the way and putting his hands around his neck area. The solicitor added: “He expresses genuine remorse.”