Woman accused of hitting driver who beeped at child

trial: Victim's teeth knocked out, court told

Eimear Cotter

A WOMAN is alleged to have punched a driver after she came out of her house to see what was happening when the motorist beeped her horn at a child who was jay-walking across the road.

Annette Roberts (39) is alleged to have knocked out the victim's two teeth and left her with a bloody mouth during the roadside assault.

She is facing trial by judge and jury in the Circuit Court after a judge ruled the matter was too serious for the District Court.

Judge James McDonnell adjourned the case to a date in January for the service of the book of evidence.

The defendant, of Sundale Lawn in Tallaght, appeared before Tallaght District Court charged with seriously assaulting another woman.

The alleged incident took place at Swiftbrook Avenue in Tallaght on September 28 last year.

The court heard the DPP had directed summary disposal of the matter in the District Court.

Outlining the allegation for jurisdiction purposes, Garda Sergeant Carmel Henry alleged the victim was driving onto Swiftbrook Avenue around 2.45pm when she beeped her horn at a young child crossing the road.

It is alleged a teenager then approached her and started verbally abusing her.

Sgt Henry claimed the woman got out of her car and the teen punched her.

It is alleged Roberts then came on the scene and she punched the victim a number of times.

The sergeant claimed the victim fell to the ground and lost consciousness. She also lost two teeth.

Scruff

Defence solicitor Michael Hennessy urged the judge to accept jurisdiction, saying Roberts will claim the victim grabbed the teen by the scruff of the neck, and she intervened and held her arm.

Mr Hennessy also said Roberts will claim she was pulled by the hair, and the teen then hit the alleged victim.

Judge McDonnell refused jurisdiction of the charge, and adjourned the matter for the service of the book of evidence.

hnews@herald.ie