Man who punched a young woman in Dundalk claimed he was acting in self-defence

A man who claimed he was acting in self-defence when he punched a young woman in the face has been given a 21 month suspended sentence at Dundalk Circuit Court.

Now 21-year-old Troy Chiduza of College Manor, Dundalk pleaded guilty to assault causing harm arising out of the incident at Crowe Street, Dundalk on September 30th 2022.

Both parties had been out socialising in a pub and the victim told gardai her ex boyfriend's new partner threw a drink over her and she responded in kind.

It continued outside on Crowe Street, and the defendant approached her and punched her once to the right side of her face.

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It’s believed a laceration to her right eyebrow was caused by a ring he was wearing.

When interviewed, the defendant said his friend fell and he helped her up and claimed that two girls had followed them and one of them swung at him multiple times and "I swung back" adding "I only hit her once as an act of self defence".

In her victim impact statement, the woman said she's still traumatised.

The defendant had just turned 18 and had no previous convictions at the time.

The injured party had previously accepted €2,000 which was offered by the defendant, and a further €1,000 was in court last Tuesday, which Judge Dara Hayes heard he had saved from working for his mother's healthcare business and a business he had set up with his father and brother selling cars.

Judge Hayes noted the 21-year-old had made positive changes – he no longer takes nitrous oxide and no longer associates with negative peers.

He said he would suspend the 21 months he was imposing, on him entering a good behaviour bond and placing himself under the supervision of the Probation Service for 12 months.

However, the Judge warned: “I’m giving him a significant opportunity and if he doesn’t take it, that sentence will be imposed.”

As part of the suspended sentence, the defendant must also engage with anger management supports and engage in victim-focused work.