Sentencing adjourned to allow time for psychological report

A MAN who pleaded guilty to an assault on his former New Ross girlfriend has had sentence adjourned to allow for the preparation of a psychological report.

Paul Clancy (46) of Portnaneena, Ballykerran, Athlone, Co Westmeath, pleaded guilty before Judge Cormac Quinn at Wexford Circuit Criminal Court to assaulting Zoe Buckley on dates unknown between August 5, 2015, and August 11, 2015, at 47 Rosbercon Court, New Ross.

Defence Counsel Philip Sheehan said a guilty plea had already been entered, with sentencing having been adjourned to allow for the preparation of a Probation and Welfare report, along with psychological report.

He said the Probation and Welfare report is before the court but the psychological report is not, which causes some difficulties.

Mr Sheehan said the offence is an assault which occurred within a relationship, a relationship dominated by alcohol. He would be urging the court given the peculiar nature of the offence to deal with the matter in a non-custodial manner. In that regard the psychological report should be present in court.

Prosecuting Counsel Ms Sinead Gleeson said the victim was prepared to progress with the matter but Judge Quinn said that as the psychological report is not available it would mean the case being heard piecemeal.

He said he would adjourn the matter to June 27 for mention.