A MAN who hit a girl across the face has been warned he could receive a community punishment order for his actions.
Rodney Zachariades, 37, from Milton Road, Bournemouth, pleaded guilty at Bournemouth Magistrates' Court on Thursday to one charge of child cruelty.
Prosecutor Paul Griffin told the court that the offence happened at a holiday centre in Devon on August 21 this year when Zachariades had an argument with the girl and "slapped her" across the face.
He said: "She was unable to recall how many times but one of the blows was a punch with clenched fist."
Mr Griffin added that the blows were directed at the girl's head and face and the girl suffered bruising after the assault.
Mark Price, mitigating, said Zachariades believed he slapped the girl twice but did not punch her.
Zachariades was released on unconditional bail awaiting a pre-sentence report and will appear back at Bournemouth Magistrates' Court on November 4.
First published: October 8
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article