Man accused of repeatedly punching woman tells Cork court 'she only got a few scratches'

The defendant also claimed that she was the one who first assaulted him

Judge Mary Dorgan refused bail and remanded him in custody until October 8 to allow time for directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions. File picture: Larry Cummins

A woman was hospitalised after being punched repeatedly in the face at her home, a court has heard, but on Wednesday the man accused of assault causing harm claimed: “She only got a few scratches.” 

Paul Harty, aged 44, of Bay 11, Shandon Road halting site, Dungarvan, County Waterford, also claimed that she was the one who first assaulted him.

Garda Keith Shire said shortly before 5am on September 30, gardaí received a report of an incident 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.

Solicitor Eddie Burke called Mr Harty to give evidence in support of his application for bail at Cork District Court.

Mr Harty said 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.

Judge Mary Dorgan refused bail and remanded him in custody until October 8 to allow time for directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.