Courts / Cork / Report
Woman details scars from attack by former partner she planned to leave
Summary
On 11 August 2015, Patrick O'Rourke, aged 63, attempted to murder his former partner Donna Foster at their home in Cooline Drive, Ballyvoloon, Cobh, Co Cork. He pleaded guilty to the attempted murder and to assault causing harm to a minor on the same day. At a hearing in the Central Criminal Court, Justice Patrick McCarthy heard evidence and adjourned sentencing until the following Friday. Foster delivered a victim impact statement, describing the "continuous, vicious and frenzied attack" that left her with serious stab wounds, ongoing medical supervision, loss of her hairdressing business, fatigue, concentration difficulties, panic attacks and a changed outlook on life. She credited the intervention of the minor who was also injured for her survival. The court also heard from Detective Garda Michael Dillane, who noted that the relationship had broken down two weeks before the attack and that there had been no prior violence. The hearing concluded with the judge postponing sentencing to the next Friday.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Woman details scars from attack by former partner she planned to leave. Charges or matters: her attempted murder at their home in Cooline Drive, Ballyvoloon, Cobh, Co Cork on August 11, 2015; assault causing harm to a minor at the same location on the same date. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- August 11, 2015 Adjournment
- 2016-11-25 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: her attempted murder at their home in Cooline Drive, Ballyvoloon, Cobh, Co Cork on August 11, 2015; assault causing harm to a minor at the same location on the same date (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: At a hearing today at the Central Criminal Court Justice Patrick McCarthy heard evidence and adjourned sentencing until next Friday.
Defendant
Charges: her attempted murder at their home in Cooline Drive, Ballyvoloon, Cobh, Co Cork on August 11, 2015; assault causing harm to a minor at the same location on the same date (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Mr Grehan also asked the judge to consider Mr O'Rourke's age, saying that a lengthy custodial sentence would amount to a life sentence.; At a hearing today at the Central Criminal Court Justice Patrick McCarthy heard evidence and adjourned sentencing until next Friday.
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- Michael Dillane of Cobh Garda Station
- Cobh
- Cork
- Cork prison
Topics
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