'Firecracker' who attacked her love rival is spared prison

A JUDGE said there is “a firecracker” inside a mother of five who assaulted another woman after having “the misfortune” of walking in on her husband in bed with the other woman.

- BY GORDON DEEGAN

At Ennis District Court, Judge Alec Gabbett made his comment when imposing a suspended two-month prison term on Julie Mongans, 31, for assaulting Charlene Keenan on February 22 at Treacy's West County Hotel in Ennis, Co Clare.

Solicitor Daragh Hassett, for Mongans, said “there was significant provocation” involved and Judge Gabbett told her: “Your perception here is that you had good reason to do this and I kind of understand why.”

He said: “At the same time, you just can’t do that.”