Waterford man before court after striking his sister in the face
While the man's mother and other family members were present in court, the victim was not.
A Waterford man in his 30's struck his sister in the face during an 'argument', according to his legal counsel.
He committed assault contrary to Section 2 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act. The assault left the woman with a split lip.
The accused appeared before Judge John Cheatle this week at Waterford District Court.
The man cannot be named to protect the identity of the victim.
Legal defence said that the assault came during a time of "high stress" for the defendant.
Solicitor Ken Cunningham said: "He left the family home and went through homelessness."
The court heard that the accused was in full-time employment and had a Bachelor's and Master's degree.
While the man's mother and other family members were present in court, the victim was not. Mr. Cunningham said the man was a "strong support" for his sister but their relationship was now "tenuous at best".
"I would ask for the matter to be struck out," he said.
Judge Cheatle asked the mother: "Where is your daughter?" and was told that she had left the family home late last year.
The Judge was then given the Victim Impact Statement and, after reading its contents, commented: "This is too powerful."
The matter was pushed back for finalisation on February 27, 2027. The man remains on bail.
