Dublin mum denies punching woman’s face in front garden in ‘text message row’

Charlene Rooney (26) is alleged to have carried out the assault in the front garden of the victim’s home.

The alleged assault occurred after Ms Rooney turned up at her door and asking her to “come outside.”

The case was adjourned for hearing on a later date at Blanchardstown District Court.

Ms Rooney, with an address at Lealand Avenue in Clondalkin, is charged with assaulting the woman.

The incident is alleged to have happened at Westbourne Green, also in Clondalkin, on February 25, 2021.

When the case was called before Judge David McHugh, defence solicitor Kelly Breen said Ms Rooney was seeking a date for hearing on a not guilty plea.

She said the accused had been in court earlier.

The judge remanded Ms Rooney on continuing bail to a date next year.

Previously, Garda Sergeant Maria Callaghan said the Director of Public Prosecutions consented to summary disposal of the case in the district court subject to jurisdiction being accepted.

The judge asked for an outline of the proposed evidence.

Sgt Callaghan said according to the prosecution, the alleged victim and Ms Rooney had an argument that began over text messages.

On the day of the incident, Ms Rooney allegedly went to the woman’s home, where she began shouting and asking her to come outside.

An argument ensued in the garden, Sgt Callaghan said. During this, Ms Rooney punched the woman once in the face, causing her nose to bleed, it was alleged.

Sgt Callaghan said there was also “pushing and shoving”.

The woman did not require any medical attention afterwards.

Judge McHugh said he was accepting jurisdiction for the case to remain at district court level.

He granted free legal aid following an application by Ms Breen, who said her client was on lone parents’ allowance and paying rent from her income.

The charge against the accused is under Section 3 of the Non Fatal Offences Against the Person Act.