A Waterford woman wanted in the United Kingdom for allegedly attacking a man with a hammer has appeared in the High Court on foot of a European Arrest Warrant.

If extradited, Martina McGrath (22) will be prosecuted on three charges including intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

She is wanted by the British authorities over an assault on a man (28) in Essex on St Valentine's Day three years ago.

It is alleged she struck the man on the head with a hammer, causing lacerations that required eight stitches to repair.

A wooden stick and a metal bar were also used in the attack.

Detective Sergeant Jim Kirwan gave details to the court of arresting Martina McGrath this afternoon on foot of an extradition warrant.

The court heard when asked if she knew why she replied Yes. She is alleged to have used aliases in the past, and has recently been serving a sentence in Limerick prison.

Her father and her cousin admitted taking part in the Essex attack and received prison sentences of four years and three years.