A woman from Dungannon has been given a community service order after assaulting her teenage niece for failing to attend school.

The incident occurred on May 8 at around 2pm. Police received a report of a domestic assault from the victim, who stated her aunt had slapped her and pulled her hair. The defendant was arrested and taken to Lurgan custody.

In custody, the defendant admitted slapping the niece on the shoulder following an argument. A defence solicitor told Dungannon Magistrates Court that the defendant pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity. The solicitor explained she was upset about the niece's school absence and had exercised her right to discipline the teenager, though the action was unlawful with no intent to cause harm.

The court heard that the parties no longer live together and no major injuries resulted. District Judge Rafferty imposed 40 hours of community service on the defendant, who cannot be named to protect the victim's identity.