Attacker slapped woman who tried to calm her down

Nicole Doonan (22) slapped the woman in the face after the victim was knocked to the ground.

Judge Bryan Smyth ordered a probation report and adjourned sentencing to a date next month.

The judge said he would consider a suspended sentence if Doonan paid €250 compensation to the victim.

The defendant, of Manorlands, Trim, Co Meath, admitted before Dublin District Court to assaulting a woman.

The incident happened at Busaras on Store Street, Dublin, at around 9.40pm on November 13 last year.

A garda witness said Doon-an had been told she was not allowed on to a Bus Eireann bus, and the woman had been trying to calm her down.

The assault took place after the victim had been knocked over. Doonan pulled the victim's hair and slapped her on the jaw.

Apologise

The woman did not suffer any injuries during the course of the assault.

The court heard Doonan had six previous convictions, but nothing for this type of offence.

Defence solicitor Matthew de Courcy said Doonan wished to apologise for her behaviour.

He said she had no explanation for it and it should not have happened.

Mr de Courcy said Doonan had earlier been assaulted and she was trying to get home.

Doonan, who was not working and on social welfare, told the court she was "very sorry" for what she had done.

Mr de Courcy said Doonan's partner was in court to support her.

He said the defendant had developed a problem with cannabis in the recent past, but she was trying to deal with it and was looking at getting treatment.

Mr de Courcy said Doonan was of limited means, but was willing to pay compensation as she wanted to "make good her poor behaviour".

Ordering a probation report, Judge Smyth said Doonan's behaviour had been "unacceptable".