Man assaulted wife with hot iron at home

A CONGOLESE national now living in Castlebridge who burned his wife with an iron has had his case adjourned to allow him time to explain how he can come up with €10,000 in compensation.

Marcos Diakanga Innocente, of 2 Barley Court, Castlebridge, was convicted by a jury of assaulting Julie Makiese on March 28, 2013 following a trial at Wexford Circuit Criminal Court.

Sgt PJ Murphy told Prosecuting Counsel Ms Sinead Gleeson that Ms Diakanga was in the family home in Castlebridge with her husband, children and a family friend. Ms Diakanga was ironing at the time when she was approached by the defendant, who touched her on the buttocks. She asked him to stop touching her, but the defendant persisted.

‘ The victim’s arms were put behind her back, her wrist was burned while holding the hot iron. She also sustained burns to the upper arm,’ said Sgt Murphy.

As a result of the assault, the victim attended Wexford General Hospital, where medical staff had concerns about the burn marks on her wrist and upper arm. A complaint was made to the gardai who followed up with an investigation.

In a victim impact statement read into the court by Sgt Murphy, the victim said: ‘As a result of this I have a fear of men and don’t want a boyfriend because of what happened. I don’t think very well and as a result have lost some friends. As a consequence of the assault the children were taken into foster car while I am living in accommodation in Wexford.’

Defence Counsel Jordan Fletcher said the defendant had trained as a carer and worked six days a week. He apologised to his wife and is willing, if given time, to get some money together for compensation.

Judge Barry Hickson said he would adjourn the case so the defendant could come up with details as to how he can have €10,000 available. He also ordered that €5000 of that amount be paid by the end of June.