Man given suspended sentence for assault of ex-partner

A Waterford man who assaulted his ex-partner following a row over credit card bills has received a three-year suspended sentence.

Patrick Whelan (aged 45) gained entry to his ex-partner’s house using a spare key and then forced her against a wall, causing injuries to her back and shoulders.

Mr Whelan, of O’Connell Street, Dungarvan, was convicted at the Central Criminal Court last December of assault causing harm to Jennifer Kay at her home in Waterford on March 7, 2009.