Father avoids jail after assaulting his eight-year-old daughter

A former reserve garda pleaded guilty to two counts of assault against his eight-year-old daughter. The case was heard at Dublin District Court. The man could have faced a maximum sentence of six months for each charge, but the judge opted for a different course. Judge John Hughes noted that the father and daughter still have a strong relationship. Over the last five months, the accused completed anger management and parenting courses, and he also provided €5,000 in compensation for his daughter. The incidents occurred in August and September 2021. The father’s attorney argued for leniency, citing the man's good work history and lack of prior convictions. The defense claimed that he learned from the experience, and he no longer works around children. The judge acknowledged the severity of the assaults but also considered the absence of a victim impact statement. During the incidents, the father used physical force after his daughter cried about not getting ice cream. The judge highlighted that regardless of the child's behavior, the father's actions were inappropriate and traumatic for her. He mentioned that the child suffered some bruising, which the father claimed was caused by his watch. After considering various sentencing options, Judge Hughes decided to apply the Probation of Offenders Act instead of imprisonment. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the family's stability, as the father was providing financial support to his children. The judge ordered that the compensation be held until the daughter turns 18.