A father who hit his two-year-old son on the side of the head has escaped a conviction after pleading guilty to assault.
The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is in aged in his 30s and from Co Waterford.
Waterford Circuit Court heard that the man was taking care of his children last April, when he lost control and struck his two year old son into the side of the face and ear.
The following day, the child’s mother noticed swelling and bruising and she said the child’s father - her former partner - admitted to her that evening by text that he had hit their son.
Inspector Paul Heffernan outlined to Judge Rory MacCabe how the man said he “snapped” while minding his children, and that he took full responsibility.
The man told gardaí his son had been acting up and was difficult to mind, adding that he did not have any alcohol until after he had put the children to bed that evening.
Regarding the alcohol consumption not happening until the evening, Inspector Heffernan said he did not believe this to be the case.
The child’s mother gave evidence saying her son had bad bruising, had damage to his ear and had since become very aggressive, even though he was attending therapy sessions.
The man’s counsel said his client was very sorry for what he had done, that he had no previous convictions, that he had since attended a year of group therapy and that he was a low risk of re-offending.
Judge MacCabe said parents are faced with tests every day and that while the man had caused harm to his son, he accepted that he did not intend to harm him. He said it did not excuse what had happened.
The judge added that taking into account the matters raised, a custodial sentence was not appropriate and he applied the probation act.
The man was bound to the peace for the next 12 months.
