A man who tried to kill his wife by beating her with a hammer at their home in Dublin has apologised to her in open court.

Last month, Andrzej Benko of Ladyswell Road in Mulhuddart was found guilty of the attempted murder of Joanna Benko almost four years ago.

Mrs. Benko's wheelchair was left outside the court room as she sat in the public gallery for the sentence hearing today'.

Her brother described it as a constant reminder of what happened to her on the morning of her 32nd birthday. On that day in June 2010, her husband Andrzej went to the shop to buy her some flowers.

Back at their home, he placed them in a vase before fetching a lump hammer and hitting her three times in the head as she slept in their bed.

She now needs a full-time carer, has difficulties communicating and is unable to look after her son on her own.

After handing himself in, Mr. Benko (43) told gardai he attacked her because he felt her drug habit was destroying their family.

Today he took to his feet in open court and sobbed uncontrollably as he apologised to his wife, child and her family. He was then taken back into custody and is due to be sentenced on Friday.