Woman charged with attacking shop worker after face mask request

A woman has been charged with violently assaulting a Sligo shop worker after being asked to wear a face-covering.

The woman, who is aged in her early 20s, entered the shop in Sligo Town at about 6.45pm on Saturday while not wearing a face covering, in line with Covid-19 regulations.

She was advised by a staff member of the need to wear a face covering. The woman left the premises but returned after a short time and allegedly assaulted a female staff member with a weapon. She then fled on foot, the Garda said in a statement.

The staff member was taken to Sligo University Hospital, where she was treated for non-life threatening injuries. Her alleged attacker later walked into Sligo Garda station where she was arrested before being detained at Ballymote Garda station.

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The woman has been charged with assault and is due to appear before Sligo District Court on Thursday, the Garda said.

It is an offence to refuse to wear a face covering in certain areas, including on public transport and in retail outlets, unless the person has a valid reason or is a child. Those refusing to comply can be fined up to €80.