Cork court: Man who allegedly punched woman in face repeatedly remanded in custody

A 44-year-old man was remanded in custody in a case where it is alleged that he punched a woman repeatedly into the face at her home.

The adjournment was to allow time for DPP directions in the case against 44-year-old Paul Harty of Bay 11, Shandon Road halting site, Dungarvan, County Waterford, who appeared at Cork District Court by video link from prison.

Judge Mary Dorgan explained to him that he could be remanded in custody for a fortnight without his consent but that this could be extended to three to four weeks with his consent, adding that this would be more convenient as the prosecution said the directions were unlikely to be available in two weeks.

Mr Harty then said he would consent to the four-week remand in custody.

At an earlier hearing of the case he said of the complainant, “She only got a few scratches,” and that she was the one who first assaulted him.

Garda Keith Shire charged with assault causing harm to the woman in the early hours of September 30 at an apartment at Lower Glanmire Road in Cork.

“When gardaí arrived at the scene, Paul Harty was observed assaulting the woman inside the premises. He pulled her by the hair and while she was on the ground he was punching her to the face with a closed fist.

“Gardaí gained entry to the premises by jumping a back wall and entering via a back door.

“Paul Harty continued striking the woman until he was physically pulled off her by gardaí and restrained.

“The injured party remains in hospital being treated for her injuries.

“It is alleged that he does not live there and was verbally aggressive. Having left for a time it is alleged that he returned, entered the property and the physical altercation occurred.

“The injured party suffered injuries to her nose, her teeth and her face.

“I believe that if granted bail he would commit further offences of a similar nature.

“During the incident he allegedly said he would 'do time' for (woman’s name). This assault continued until gardaí intervened and it is the belief of gardaí that Mr Harty will attempt to assault her again,” Garda Shire said.

Represented by Eddie Burke solicitor, Paul Harty testified that he was previously in a relationship with the woman and that she phoned him to come up from Dungarvan to visit her and that on this date, September 29/30, they were drinking together.

“We were hugging and kissing. She said, ‘do you want to get back together?’ I said, ‘No, it is what it is’. She snapped. She hit me in the forehead with something. I want no more to do with this woman, as God is my judge. I don’t bother with drugs or drink – I drink an odd time. She started making swings at me, I ended up assaulting her. She only got a few scratches,” Paul Harty said.