Father admits hitting daughter, 9, but denies using broom handle

The judge is considering imposing the maximum term of 240 hours – in lieu of an 18-month prison sentence.

The man pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to assault causing harm on the girl at an address in Dublin. File photo

An unemployed father-of-six, who admits hitting his nine-year-old daughter but denies using a broom handle to do it, will be assessed for suitability for community service before his sentence is finalised later this year.

The man (aged 34), who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to assault causing harm on the girl at an address in Dublin between July 8 and July 11, 2016.