Woman hit by pint glass at hen night

DUNDALK Circuit Court heard how a woman who was out on a hen night in a Carlingford pub, was struck on the face with a pint glass by another woman.

Before the court was Charlene Cairns (35) with an address at Cul na Rath, Omeath, who admitted throwing the pint glass in ‘PJ’s’ bar in Carlingford August 21, 2016.

The victim had arrived at the bar for the hen party. It was a significant date as it was the anniversary of her husband’s death. She recalled another woman, who the court heard was the accused Charlene Cairns, lifting a glass over her head and it striking her. She felt immediate pain as it struck her directly on the face. A barman came and took her away from the group.

The court heard that when she got home that night, she noticed two of her teeth out of place. She pushed them back, which she found extremely painful. She also sustained a severely blackened eye, and a fracture to the mouth area. She went to a dentist to undergo treatment to her teeth and gums. She was also referred to the Minor Injuries unit at Louth County Hospital. She also experienced anxiety and depression following the incident.

Defence for Ms. Cairns said she deeply remorseful about the incident, which happened ‘clearly after the accused had too much to drink.’ She is a mother of three children, and is currently unemployed.

She offered €1000 in court by way of compensation.

Judge Martina Baxter said it was a ‘disgusting thing to do’. She remanded the accused on continuing bail to November 15th. She also raised the possibility of the case being dealt with under the Garda ‘Restorative Justice’ programme.