Woman who slapped bouncer in 'split-second reaction' at club told cops 'There's real crime out there'

Donna Denton (31) was on her first night out after the birth of a child when she hit the bouncer in a "split-second reaction" a court heard.

She was given the benefit of the Probation Act after paying €700 compensation to the victim.

Denton, from Bridge Street, Cootehill, Co Cavan admitted assault, threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour and garda obstruction.

Garda Sergeant Zita Woods told the court a passing garda saw Denton slap a security man in the face outside the George, South Great George's Street at 12.58am on March 25.

The garda exited the patrol car and asked what had happened.

"I was defending myself, like, he's a man," Denton told the garda.

"What are you going to do? There's real crime happening out there."

She became verbally abusive to the gardaí and resisted arrest.

Denton had no previous convictions and handed a letter of apology in to court.

She would not usually be out drinking and it was her first night out since the birth of her son, her lawyer said.

The bouncer had put his hand up to stop her entering and the assault happened in a "split second".

She accepted it was a "terrible reaction."

Judge Paula Murphy said she would not strike the charges out, but applied the Probation Act.