Mother (19) who bit female ‘bouncer’ over her eye is fined

A 19-year-old woman who bit a female nightclub bouncer above the eye, leaving a scar, has been fined €400 by Judge Kevin Kilrane at Sligo District Court.

Chloe Brady of Cartron Estate admitted assault causing harm to Anke Hirschehmann on February 7 th 2016 at a previous sitting of the court.

Ms Hirschehmann told that sitting of the court that she was working as a door supervisor at a nightclub on JFK Parade and recalled the defendant being ejected.

When she was put outside, she walked to a car and began to vandalise it by interfering with the windscreen wipers. The car belonged to the victim.

The defendant moved away from the car and witness walked towards it. Brady then attacked witness.

“She came at me with her mouth on to my left side of my forehead and eyebrow and would not let go, it was for something like 15 seconds,” said the victim.

She added that Brady had to be pulled away from her by other staff. Ms Hirschehmann said her main concern in the aftermath of the assault was the possibility of contracting infectious diseases and was worried for months.

She was tested twice and the assault had also impacted on her private life.

The victim said she didn’t accept an apology from the defendant.

The offer of a letter of apology only came after the matter came before the court after legal advice, she said.

Ms Hirschehmann said the apology was only for the benefit of the judge, not her.

At last Thursday’s sitting of the court, Mr Tom MacSharry, solicitor (defending) said there was a positive probation report before the court.

Judge Kilrane asked the Probation Officer, Bridget Myles what in particular had she been impressed by the defendant to leave her without a conviction.

Ms Myles replied this was the situation which the defendant would like to be in and that she wished to go into child care.

She was ashamed and embarrassed by the incident, said Ms Myles.

Inspector Dennis Harrington said it was quite a ferocious attack.

Mr MacSharry said that at the time the defendant had a cold and she had taken shots of high intensity.

Her memory of the incident was not good. She had since become a mother.

“She fully regrets this and wishes she could turn the clock back. Unfortunately, she has not means of compensation,” he said, adding that the incident had been to the forefront of the defendant’s mind since it happened.

Judge Kilrane said he appreciated the help and professionalism of Ms Myles who had obviously seen the most benign side of the defendant.

“However, there is a victim and if this injury was inflicted on the defendant she’d come to court looking for justice,” he said.

He stressed that the victim had suffered a very serious assault.

The skin had been broken and treatment involved the insertion of sutures and she was left with a permanent scar. It was a shocking assault.

“There is remorse but no compensation,” said Judge Kilrane.

He fined the defendant €400.