A man was arrested by Gardaí after drunkenly attempting to climb into his ex‑partner's Dublin home, following repeated breaches of a safety order issued in January 2024. He was convicted in the District Court of two counts of breaching the order under section 33(1) of the Domestic Violence Act 2018 and sentenced to three months' custody. On appeal, the District Court Appeals Court increased the custodial term to six months but suspended the entire sentence for one year, subject to the defendant's compliance with probation supervision, psychological counselling and alcohol‑abuse treatment. The appeal was based on the defendant's cooperation with Gardaí, his stated mental‑health struggles, sobriety, and family responsibilities, as presented by his counsel and the judge's remarks on the seriousness of the breaches and the impact on the victim's children.
Jordan Grimes, 27, had a three‑month jail term for dangerous driving and driving without insurance overturned on appeal, replaced by a suspended six‑month sentence. He remains under a four‑year driving disqualification and a six‑year, three‑month prison term for driving without insurance, which now runs concurrently with the suspended sentence. Grimes was caught joy‑riding an e‑scrambler bike on the Royal Canal Greenway on 5 January 2024, driving at speed toward Garda Gerard Hanahoe and a colleague. The Garda reported that Grimes narrowly avoided hitting them and that he claimed to be travelling only 70 km/h. He was already serving a 20‑year driving ban at the time of the incident. The court required Grimes to enter probation supervision and comply with drug counselling, while his driving disqualification remains in force. Jordan Grimes was convicted.
A man convicted of breaching a safety order under section 33(1) of the Domestic Violence Act 2018 has requested that the District Court of Appeals extend his custodial sentence to allow him to complete prison courses. He was originally sentenced to ten months in custody, the maximum for the offence being twelve months, and has appealed that sentence. The defendant, whose name cannot be disclosed, has 56 prior convictions, including assault and criminal damage. His solicitor, Paddy McGarry, described the request as an "unusual application" and said the client feels prison is a safer environment and wants to "keep his head down" while rehabilitating. Judge Fiona O'Sullivan acknowledged the appeal, noted the mitigating circumstance of an early guilty plea, and postponed a final decision until a psychological report is available, setting a new deadline of 1 December.
A 38‑year‑old repeat offender, Vasile Canta, had his four‑month jail sentence for possessing a pointed blade and threatening behaviour overturned on appeal. The original conviction stemmed from an incident at Henrietta House in Dublin 7 on 11 February 2024, where Garda Philip Collins described Canta as "highly aggressive", spitting at officers and swinging his arms. A search revealed a sharp article concealed on his person, and Canta was found to have a nail file in his pocket. He pleaded not guilty in the District Court but was convicted under the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act and the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act. Defence counsel argued that Canta was intoxicated and feared imprisonment, and that he had not brandished the blade. Judge Fiona O'Sullivan fully suspended the four‑month sentence for 12 months, requiring Canta to be supervised by the Probation Service, comply with alcohol‑abuse directives, and attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.
Terry Maughan, 47, of Balbriggan, Dublin, had a seven‑month jail term for stealing nearly €9,000 of electrical cable and a six‑month concurrent sentence for burglary at Skerries Sailing Club overturned on appeal. The District Court Appeals Court replaced both sentences with a fully suspended sentence for 12 months, conditional on compliance with probation. Maughan was identified on CCTV stealing €8,982 worth of cable from an industrial estate in Santry and later admitted the theft, selling the cable for €535. He was also caught on CCTV removing a €300 barbecue from a concrete shed at the sailing club, which he returned. He has 133 prior convictions, including 15 thefts, and was described by Garda Jake Digney as "massively cooperative" and "deeply sorry.".
Sara Lucanich has failed in her appeal against her District Court convictions for drink driving and refusing to provide a breath sample. The appellant, aged 30, was originally convicted of driving while intoxicated on Ballymun Road in April 2024 and fined €350, with a three-year driving disqualification. She was also convicted of refusing to provide a sample and fined €200. During the appeal, Garda Doireann Byrne testified that Lucanich was observed swerving and failing to respond to police signals, and that she exhibited signs of intoxication. Garda Kevin Nolan stated that Lucanich successfully provided a breath sample, which returned a result of 94mg per 100ml, but subsequently refused to sign the required statements despite explanations. Lucanich argued she did not understand the legal requirements and was rushed by gardai. Judge Jonathan Dunphy rejected these claims, finding Garda Nolan's evidence meticulous and accepting that Lucanich completed the breath test without difficulty. The judge affirmed the District Court's convictions and sentences. However, he agreed to defer the driving disqualification for a period of six months from the date of the appeal hearing.
David Fagan, 40, with 131 prior convictions, was convicted in the District Court for stealing €1,300 from the same shop on three occasions. He pleaded guilty to three counts of theft under the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act, 2001, and received two concurrent six‑month sentences plus a concurrent ten‑month term. On appeal, Judge Jonathan Dunphy upheld the two six‑month sentences but suspended the ten‑month term for the €700 theft on 7 May 2024 for a full two years. The suspension is conditional on Fagan being supervised by the probation services upon release, attending all meetings and referrals, and keeping away from the service station in Portmarnock. The court noted that the other offences were non‑violent and that Fagan had shown remorse and had no disciplinary record while in custody. The appeal was based on the claim that the original sentences were manifestly excessive.
Daryl Boyd, 28, pleaded guilty in the District Court to multiple offences under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 between 2020 and 2022. He received three consecutive six‑month prison sentences for supplying controlled drugs into prisons, with one of those sentences suspended. Additional charges included possession of controlled drugs and failure to appear in court. Boyd appealed the severity of his sentence. Sergeant Shay Leonard recounted that on 16 May 2020, 28 November 2020 and 26 September 2022, Boyd threw copper pipes and other items containing controlled drugs over the walls of Wheatfield Prison, the last incident involving 700 euros worth of cannabis. Boyd has 40 prior convictions, including theft and public order offences. Defence counsel noted his drug debt and severe pressure after a threat to a family member. Judge Jonathan Dunphy suspended Boyd's entire sentence for two years, requiring him to enter probation supervision, complete residential treatment and engage in education and training as directed.
Sean Lennon, 30, of Fairview, Dublin 3, was sentenced to 17 months in jail for carrying a large fishing knife at Tallaght Hospital and threatening gift shop staff with a knuckle duster. On appeal, Judge Jonathan Dunphy suspended the entire sentence for two years, ordering Lennon to keep the peace and be supervised by probation services. Lennon had pleaded guilty in the District Court to multiple offences, including possession of knives contrary to the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act, 1990, and production of an article capable of inflicting serious injury. Garda Brian Kane reported Lennon's discovery of the knife at the hospital on 1 November 2022, leading to a six‑month jail term. Sergeant Stephen Walsh described a 30 November 2023 incident in a gift shop where Lennon threatened staff with a knuckle duster, resulting in a nine‑month sentence.
In February 2024, Jason Cerfas, aged 23, was removed from Swords Courthouse after verbally abusing another man, leading to charges of threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour and failing to comply with a garda's direction under the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994. He was convicted on both counts and sentenced to two months and five months in custody, to be served concurrently. Cerfas appealed, arguing the sentence was too severe. The District Court Appeals Court, hearing the appeal, noted that Cerfas had been directed to leave the courthouse multiple times and that his conduct had "no difficulty tearing down the court system." Judge Jonathan Dunphy, after considering the appeal, suspended the five‑month custodial sentence for two years, provided Cerfas keeps the peace and avoids further garda attention. The appeal did not alter the conviction or the concurrent nature of the sentences. The case remains at the appeal stage, with the suspended sentence in effect. Jason Cerfas pleaded not guilty.
In a District Court case, 38‑year‑old Natasha Tynan was convicted for possessing nail scissors, a prohibited item under Section 9(1)(7) of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act, 1990, and sentenced to three months in custody. The conviction followed a stop and search by Garda David Byrne on 8 October 2024, when he found the scissors in her handbag. Tynan, who has 37 prior convictions, pleaded guilty and later appealed the custodial sentence. On appeal, Judge Jonathan Dunphy replaced the three‑month custodial term with a 12‑month peace bond, citing Tynan's lack of intent to harm, her drug‑related history, and her active participation in counselling and a horticulture employment scheme. The peace bond requires her to keep the peace and continue her treatment and counselling efforts for the year.
Srdan Keteles, 34, of Waterford, appealed a conviction for careless driving after a "horrific" crash on Oscar Traynor Road, Coolock, Dublin, on 25 September 2019. He claimed he had no memory of the incident, only that he left home on his motorbike and later woke in hospital with serious spinal, neck and pelvic injuries. The District Court found him guilty of driving without due care, including overtaking in a bus lane, and fined him €200 with a six‑month payment period. Keteles' appeal was dismissed by the District Court Appeals Court, which upheld the conviction. The court noted that a forensic accident analysis was not conducted at the scene, and that a witness testified the motorbike overtook him at speed in the bus lane. The judge affirmed the original order, stating the evidence supported a finding of careless driving. The appeal was rejected. Srdan Keteles pleaded not guilty.
Bradford Meehan, a 54-year-old serial offender with 116 previous convictions, had his five-month prison sentence suspended on appeal. Meehan was convicted in the District Court of burglary contrary to section 12(1b)(3) of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act, 2001, after allegedly causing €5,000 worth of damage to an apartment complex on Bonham Street, Dublin 8, in July. He was originally sentenced to five months consecutive to a 42-month sentence he is currently serving for a different matter. Meehan appealed against the severity of this sentence. Defence counsel Seosaimhín Ní Chathasaigh BL argued that Meehan's reoffending was driven by a chronic drug addiction and that he is now a model prisoner in Mountjoy Prison, free of illicit substances. Judge Christopher Callan acknowledged that seeking a suspended sentence was "a stretch" given Meehan was on release from prison when the alleged crime occurred and had succumbed to addiction again. However, the judge decided to suspend the five-month sentence for two years. The conditions require Meehan to keep the peace and come under the supervision of the probation service upon release. Additionally, the judge directed that Meehan remain on the enhanced privilege regime while in custody.
William Kavanagh, 35, was convicted in the District Court for a series of thefts and criminal damage in Dublin between January and March 2024. He stole 15 pairs of socks worth €290, a wallet and €90 in cash, smashed a car window, and wrote his own blood on the walls of a Garda cell. He was found guilty of three counts of theft, three counts of criminal damage and one count of possessing stolen property. The District Court sentenced him to 14 months, with six months for the January 8 theft and eight months for the January 25 theft, consecutive to a term he was already serving. On appeal, Judge Christopher Callan reduced the sentence to seven months, suspended for two years, on the condition that Kavanagh remains peaceful and engages with Merchant's Quay Ireland for rehabilitation upon release.
Denis Cupcea, 21, pleaded guilty in the District Court to using threatening and abusive language and failing to comply with a Garda's direction under the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994. He was convicted and sentenced to two months' custody for the section 8 charge, with the other charge considered. Cupcea appealed the severity of the sentence. The appeal court heard that on 18 May 2024, Garda Robert Ruddy was on mobile patrol when Cupcea shouted at him and the people he was dealing with, calling the Garda a "rat" and threatening to file a claim for a false arrest. Ruddy cautioned Cupcea, who was later arrested and cautioned. Cupcea's defence counsel said he entered a guilty plea, was remorseful, and had drug dependence. Judge Dara Hayes ordered a report to assess whether Cupcea could complete community service.
An unnamed man, who pleaded guilty to breaching a safety order, had his conviction removed on appeal. In March 2025, he received a one-month suspended sentence for sending a woman videos of a Bruce Springsteen concert and a YouTube link between February and June 2024, contrary to section 33(1) of the Domestic Violence Act 2018. The appellant lodged an appeal against the severity of that term. Judge Christopher Callan, presiding over the District Court Appeals Court, noted that Springsteen "would not be too happy" to see his music used in this manner. While acknowledging the victim impact statement detailed the fear caused by the communications, the judge accepted defence counsel Seosaimhín Ní Chathasaigh's submission that the man showed sincere remorse and that a conviction would have life-altering effects on his employment and travel. The judge decided to remove the criminal conviction on the condition that the man pays a donation of €1,000 to Women's Aid. The existing safety order, which has been extended with the client's consent, remains in place until 2030.
A mentally ill man, diagnosed with bipolar disorder and psychosis, had his four‑month jail sentence for breaching a safety order overturned on appeal. He had pleaded guilty in the District Court to breaching a safety order twice under section 33(1) of the Domestic Violence Act 2018 and to trespassing under section 3 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994. He also faced charges of making off without payment, theft and failure to appear in court. The appeal was lodged after the court heard that he had been arrested on 3 October 2024 at a woman's property where a safety order was in place, and again on 9 May 2024 at an Applegreen on Stillorgan Road where he poured petrol worth 60 cents into a bag and left without paying. He was also charged with failure to appear in court for that offence.
A man who breached a safety order by posting a video of his ex‑wife on Facebook, with abusive rap music over four images, had his four‑month jail sentence replaced with a suspended term on appeal. He pleaded guilty in the District Court to breaching a safety order under section 33(1) of the Domestic Violence Act 2018 on 13 June 2024. The video looped four pictures: the ex‑wife in a swimsuit on a beach, her new partner, a vehicle she had owned, and another picture of her, all with digitally distorted faces. The rap music contained abusive lyrics. Defence counsel acknowledged the mistake and said the client now understands the order and apologised. Judge Christopher Callan suspended the four‑month sentence for 12 months, requiring the defendant to keep the peace and obey the safety order, including no contact with the injured party by any means.
Clayton McKeever, aged 21, was convicted in the District Court for assault and violent disorder after a June 12, 2023 incident in a Drimnagh garden. He pleaded guilty and received a six‑month custodial sentence suspended for two years on the violent disorder charge, and a nine‑month sentence with six months suspended on the assault charge, leaving an effective three‑month jail term. On appeal, the District Court Appeals Court replaced the custodial sentence with a suspended term. The court noted CCTV evidence of McKeever punching and kicking the victim's head three times over 50 seconds, and that the victim was hospitalized. McKeever's defence argued he intervened to protect his mother, and that he had expressed remorse. The judge, Christopher Callan, accepted that the assault was serious but considered McKeever's conduct out of character and at low risk of reoffending, and therefore suspended the sentence for two years on the condition of good behaviour.
Thomas McDonagh, aged 23, was convicted in the District Court of four offences after threatening a Garda, acting aggressively, spraying Lucozade, and spitting blood in a patrol car. The offences were failure to comply with a Garda under the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994, obstruction of a peace officer under the same act, threatening and abusive behaviour under section 6, and criminal damage to a Garda vehicle under the Criminal Damage Act 1991. He received a six‑month custodial sentence, which he appealed. On appeal the District Court Appeals Court, presided over by Judge Christopher Callan, suspended the custodial term for two years. The suspended sentence is conditional on McDonagh keeping the peace, engaging with probation services, and donating €500 to the Capuchin Day Centre. The court noted his 22 prior convictions and his recent family circumstances, but upheld that his conduct was "completely unacceptable.". Thomas McDonagh pleaded not guilty.
Daniel Keelan, 47, of Ashbourne, appealed a drunk‑driving conviction that had been handed down in the District Court for an incident on 21 August 2022. The original conviction carried a two‑year driving disqualification and a €200 fine. The appeal was heard in the District Court Appeals Court in Trim. Garda Saoirse Horan testified that she had pursued a black BMW on Frederick Street, observed Keelan in the driver's seat, and arrested him after he refused to exit the vehicle. She claimed he was argumentative, smelled of alcohol, and had a breath alcohol level of 59 mg per 100 ml, well above the legal limit of 22 mg. Keelan's counsel argued that the garda had not explained the arrest, that Keelan was not speeding due to road works, and that the licence information was inconsistent. Daniel Keelan pleaded not guilty.
Myles Smith, 22, had his dangerous driving conviction overturned at the District Court Appeals Court after Judge Jonathan Dunphy viewed a Snapchat video allegedly proving Smith was in the passenger seat during a Garda pursuit. Smith, of Clonsilla, Dublin 15, had previously pleaded not guilty to dangerous driving, driving without insurance, driving without a licence, and two counts of failure to produce documents. In the District Court, he was disqualified from driving for two years and fined €450 for dangerous driving, fined €400 for no insurance, and fined €300 for no licence. Defence counsel Aoife McNickle BL presented video evidence showing Smith in the passenger seat while Garda lights were visible. The State, represented by Clare Barry, argued the footage was edited and that Smith was the driver. Judge Dunphy stated that after numerous viewings, he had doubt over who was driving and found no satisfactory evidence Smith was the driver. He allowed the appeal, quashing the conviction. The report does not specify the finalisation status of the other charges or any adjournments for them.
Sean Carroll, 31, of Rathfarnham, Dublin 14, had his custodial sentence overturned on appeal in the District Court Appeals Court. Carroll, who pleaded guilty to theft under section 4 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001, was originally sentenced to six months in prison. The court heard that on July 26, 2019, Carroll allegedly arranged a meeting on Henry Street, Dublin, where he received €550 from an injured party for Electric Picnic tickets that were subsequently found to be fake. The stolen money was never recovered. Carroll has 28 previous convictions, including for theft and attempted robbery. Defence counsel Róisín Burnside BL submitted that Carroll has undertaken treatment for drug addiction and is now free of drugs and alcohol. Judge Jonathan Dunphy noted the prevalence of ticket scams on Henry Street and questioned the impact on the victim. The judge increased the original sentence from six months to ten months but fully suspended it for two years. The suspension is conditional on Carroll keeping the peace and continuing his treatment. Judge Dunphy warned that if Carroll returns before the court, every second of the ten-month term will be activated.
Jordan Lanigan, 25, of Darndale, Dublin 17, had his conviction for driving under the influence of drugs overturned on appeal. The appellant had pleaded not guilty to the charge in the District Court, where he was subsequently convicted and sentenced to a one-year driving disqualification and a €300 fine. At the District Court Appeals Court, Judge Jonathan Dunphy allowed the appeal, finding that the prosecuting garda's evidence was insufficient to prove the roadside drug test was completed. Garda Fergal McSharry testified that he stopped Lanigan on Clonshaugh Road on March 4, 2019, smelled cannabis, and administered a Drager oral test which returned a positive result. However, the judge noted that the garda only stated he handed the test to Lanigan and that Lanigan handed it back, without providing direct evidence that Lanigan actually placed the device in his mouth or completed the required procedure. The judge ruled that this was an essential element of the procedure and could not be inferred, noting the test may have been refused or returned uncompleted. Consequently, the conviction was quashed, and the matter was not finalised with a new sentence but rather resulted in the overturning of the original District Court finding.
A man classified as a "high risk" sex offender, whose name cannot be disclosed, had a six‑month jail sentence for breaching Section 33(1) of the Sex Offenders Act 2001 overturned on appeal. He had pleaded guilty in the District Court to failing to attend a scheduled meeting with a supervising officer after his release in July 2021. The appeal court noted an "overall pattern of non‑compliance" and that he had missed an appointment on 4 November 2022, had a high risk of sexual reoffending, and had used drugs. He had previously been convicted of sexual assault and attempted rape in 2017 and sentenced to five years in custody. On appeal, the judge suspended the custodial sentence for 12 months, conditional on the defendant remaining drug‑free and engaging with probation services.
Judge James O'Donohoe criticised Gardaí for repeatedly failing to appear in court, calling the non‑appearances "just embarrassing" and noting that cases could not proceed when prosecuting officers were absent. He addressed the officers at the District Court Appeals Court after several hearings were halted earlier in the week. Gardaí explained their absences, citing lack of notification or unfollowed emails. The judge urged them to simply attend or, if unable, to give notice.
In a case heard in the District Court Appeals Court, a woman who had breached a safety order by locking her then‑partner out of their home and using threatening language was found guilty of violating the Domestic Violence Act 2018. She had originally received a two‑month custodial sentence. On appeal, Judge James O'Donohoe suspended that sentence for two years, ordering the woman to maintain peace and attend an alcohol treatment centre recommended by the probation service. The defendant, whose name is withheld, pleaded guilty and has struggled with alcohol addiction.
Dean McAuley, 34, a repeat offender with 17 prior convictions, pleaded guilty in the District Court to using threatening and abusive language and being intoxicated in a public place contrary to the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act, 1994, after drunkenly threatening and abusing staff at a Dublin Macari's chipper on 13 July 2024. He was sentenced to two months in custody, with the last month suspended. On appeal, Judge James O'Donohoe fully suspended the custodial sentence, leaving McAuley free while the suspended portion remains in effect.
Aaron Lee Kinsella Kelly, 23, pleaded guilty in the District Court to assault under section 3 of the Non‑Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997, after punching his then‑partner in the face at the Clayton Hotel, Dublin Airport, on 5 February 2024. The victim had a swollen and bruised face and claimed Kelly had accused her of flirting with another man. The District Court sentenced Kelly to one month in custody. On appeal, Judge Catherine White increased the sentence to six months imprisonment but fully suspended it for 12 months. She also ordered Kelly to pay €500 to a nearby women's refuge and to avoid the road where the victim lives. The appeal was based solely on the severity of the original sentence. No further legal actions or outcomes are mentioned in the article.
Derek Smith, 43, of Donnycarney, Dublin, had his drug‑driving conviction overturned after an appeal court found no evidence he had been driving within three hours of a blood sample. Smith was found asleep over the wheel of a van that crashed into a tree on 15 January 2021. Garda Sandip Shrestha reported that Smith was unable to walk out of the vehicle, was unstable, had slurred speech and blood‑shot eyes. He was arrested and a blood sample was taken at 4.36 pm. The sample, analysed at 1435.0 ng/ml of Benzoylecgonine, exceeded the 50 ng/ml legal limit. Smith's counsel, Gregory Murphy BL, argued that the prosecution had "zero evidence" that Smith was driving when the sample was taken and that the sample could not be linked to him. Judge Fiona O'Sullivan agreed that the three‑hour rule was not satisfied and that the blood certificate could not be admitted, and allowed Smith's appeal. Derek Smith pleaded not guilty.
A 43‑year‑old learner driver, Jijo George, was found guilty of dangerous driving after he ran a stop sign on Drogheda Street, Balbriggan, on 29 January 2023. Garda Joanne McGinn, who was on patrol at the time, observed the vehicle fail to stop, nearly colliding with her patrol car and a child on a bicycle. She noted a strong smell of alcohol and performed a breath test that returned clear. George was driving on a learner's permit without L plates or an accompanying driver. He was charged under Section 53 of the Road Traffic Act 1961 and Section 69 for failure to produce insurance. The court upheld the conviction, imposing a two‑year disqualification and a €250 fine. The judge accepted all evidence presented by the Garda. Jijo George pleaded not guilty.
Cosmin Stana, 49, of Castlecurragh Heath, Mulhuddart, Dublin 15, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm after his bin truck struck a pedestrian on Shackleton Road, Celbridge, Co Kildare, on 22 September 2022. The victim was trapped under the wheel, suffered serious injuries, and required six months of hospital treatment before release. Stana was originally sentenced to four months in jail and a two‑year driving disqualification. On appeal, the District Court Appeals Court suspended the custodial sentence entirely, replacing it with a €1,500 fine payable over 12 months, while upholding the two‑year driving disqualification. The judge noted Stana's remorse and lack of prior penalty points but deemed his failure to see the victim a serious lapse warranting a custodial sentence, though it was ultimately suspended. The decision was made despite defence counsel's argument that the disqualification would jeopardise his employment. The case remains at the appeal stage.
Brian McCann, aged 41, pleaded guilty in the District Court to assault under Section 3 of the Non‑Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997 after punching an e‑scooter rider in the face on 24 February 2022. The victim, who was riding an e‑scooter on Belcamp Lane, Coolock, was struck once in the nose, bled, but did not seek medical attention. McCann received a three‑month custodial sentence in April last year. On appeal, Defence counsel Adrian McDonagh BL argued that the victim's impact statement was "remarkably benign and kind" and that the sentence was "too harsh" given McCann's mental health difficulties, including paranoid schizophrenia. Judge Fiona O'Sullivan noted the victim's "extremely generous" statement, acknowledged McCann's medical issues and apology, and agreed to suspend the entire three‑month sentence for 12 months on the condition of good behaviour and maintaining peace.
A 27‑year‑old man who attacked his ex‑partner by choking her and striking her with a plank of timber in her own home had his nine‑month custodial sentence overturned. He had pleaded guilty to assault causing harm under the Non‑Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997, and was originally sentenced in the District Court to nine months with four months suspended. In the appeal, Sergeant Paul O'Sullivan described the assault, noting the man's hands around the woman's neck, the use of a plank, and punches that injured her wrists. The victim's impact statement detailed bruises, a near loss of consciousness, and lasting mental distress that made everyday tasks feel impossible. The defendant's solicitor said the man had relapsed, was not taking medication, and had since sought mental health treatment.