Cork woman threw flowerpot at another female during fracas in store

A CORK woman threw a flowerpot at another woman during a fracas at the Dealz store at Blackpool, but the dispute between the parties is now long over.

Frank Buttimer, solicitor, said the incident at the centre of the case dated back a very long time to May 9, 2019, and that there was no ongoing issue between the parties.

Mr Buttimer said of Margaret Hogan, aged 34, of Bolster Terrace, Mallow, county Cork, that she had done everything required of her by the court since the matter was adjourned.

Judge Mary Dorgan said she was going to suggest a restorative justice programme for Ms Hogan to engage with the other woman.

Mr Buttimer said that while there was no ongoing difficulty between the parties he added: “I think the less contact between them the better.”

Judge Dorgan said that there was a background dispute going on at the time of the fracas in Dealz.

“She (Ms Hogan) placed her offending in a certain context which I am not going to outline in court.

“I am going to direct a 12-month probation bond.”

Addressing Ms Hogan directly, the judge said: “Turn up for your appointments with the probation service.” 

The judge added that the time with probation might offer an opportunity “for a bit of empathy work to be done”.

“She must attend all appointments and remain out of trouble,” the judge said at the conclusion of the assault case.

The evidence was that there was an altercation between the parties and although the pot was thrown it did not strike the other party.