A man who left a three year old child with bruising on his head and ears after he repeatedly slapped him across the head has avoided a conviction.
The man, who came to Ireland from China over 25 years ago, appeared before Dublin District Court yesterday where Garda Sergeant Neill Murphy related the facts of the case.
Sergeant Niall Murphy detailed how, on the date in question, the accused had been consuming alcohol while in having custody of his then 3-year-old son before he “repeatedly slapped” the child leaving him with visible bruising and “lesions” on both of his ears and his head.
The offence took place on the 15th of April last year.
The court heard that the accused, who was aided by a Mandarin interpreter, has since left the family home and has in effect “lost his family” as a result of his having assaulted the child.
He also has two other children aged 3 and 11, besides the victim who is now aged 4.
The accused, who has no relevant previous convictions, is allowed weekly supervised visits with the children in circumstances where the case is being monitored by TUSLA.
The man’s defending counsel expressed the man’s remorse in respect of his actions saying the incident had taken place “as a result of alcohol”, however the court commented that a great deal of alcohol was not involved.
A probation report in respect of the accused put him at a “low risk” of reoffending, with the court expressing its satisfaction with its findings.
The man was afforded Section 1.1 of the Probation Act meaning that he will not receive a fine or conviction.
The court suggested that he attend an anger management program, but did not order him to do so.