Assault case in Dundalk struck out

The victim of an assault in the centre of the town, did not wish to  make a victim impact statement, as she felt it would cause stress and anxiety by bringing up how it affected her, Dundalk District Court was told last week.

Ciara Gray, 22, with an address at Broughton Street, Dundalk previously pleaded guilty to assault causing harm in Earl Street on September 10th 2021.

That hearing was told the injured party had sustained a cut below her right eye, a cut on the eyelid and a cut inside her mouth.

The case had been put back for the payment of compensation, and for the preparation of the victim impact statement.

When the case was called last Wednesday, Judge John Brennan heard that Ms. Gray, who had no previous convictions, has finished a college course and as she hopes to become a flight attendant in the future, was keen to avoid a conviction.

When the judge asked what the relationship was between the two parties, he was told by the defence solicitor that there is no relationship and it was a once off incident, which her client is very regretful of.

Judge Brennan said hopefully she's learnt her lesson and added that to record a conviction would be unduly harsh.

He found the facts proven and struck out the charge on the basis of the defendant's early guilty plea and young age.