Woman in the Midlands allegedly punched in the face a number of times while holding a baby

A court heard a man allegedly punched a woman a number of times in the face while she was holding a baby. 

Chukwuemeka Enendu(47) of 21 Castle Way, Kilminchy, Portlaoise is accused of assault causing harm at an address at The Hermitage, Borris Road, Portlaoise on December 22, 2020 and the same offence at the same address on December 29, 2020. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the first incident occurred when an argument arose over a workman being invited for tea at an address at The Hermitage. 

He said it was alleged a lady was “held by the neck and punched” several times in the face by the accused. She had bruising to her eye after the incident, Sgt Kirby told the court.  

Sgt Kirby said the second incident was reported to the gardai in May but had allegedly occurred in the previous December. He said the woman claimed the man hit her several times in the face with a closed fist while she was holding a baby in her arms on December 29, 2020.

Judge Nicola Andrews accepted jurisdiction and granted legal aid to the man who isn’t working.  She adjourned the case back to Portlaoise District Court on November 18.