November. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court

2018-10-02 · Dublin

Jail "unavoidable" for businessman who viciously attacked mum-of-two

Joseph Fraser, a 42‑year‑old Dublin businessman, was remanded in custody pending a November sentencing after he violently attacked a mother‑of‑two. Fraser had been dating the woman for a few months when he drove to her home drunk. The victim hid Fraser's car keys to prevent him from driving again, which angered him. He then punched her in the ribs, face and head, and kicked her in the head with a steel‑toe shoe. The assault continued through the hallway, kitchen and back garden, and the victim tried to escape by locking herself in a dog cage. Fraser's previous convictions for drunk driving were noted. Judge Melanie Greally stated that a custodial sentence was "absolutely unavoidable" and remanded Fraser pending the final sentence. The victim's injuries included bruising, black eyes and lasting pain, and she reported flashbacks and social withdrawal following the attack. The case is still pending sentencing. The unnamed woman pleaded guilty.

2016-07-12 · Dublin

Elderly priest punched during burglary

In a burglary that took place in 2013, Edward Travers, 24, along with a man and a woman, broke into the home of a 66‑year‑old priest. While the priest was on the phone, the intruders forced their way in and attempted to raid his office. Travers punched the priest in the jaw after the cleric told the burglars to leave. The sacristan of a nearby church noticed an unusual car outside the parochial house, entered to investigate, and later provided the registration of the getaway vehicle. The burglary was captured on CCTV, leading to Travers' arrest the following year. He pleaded guilty to burglary on 2 December 2013 and has 70 prior convictions. The case was adjourned to 25 November for sentencing, with a probation report and urine analysis scheduled, and the court heard that the priest suffered bruising and felt unsafe in his home.