Courts / Dublin / Report
Sentencing of man who "ferociously" beat ex-girlfriend delayed after judge receives anonymous letter
Summary
In a 2017 sentencing hearing, the Central Criminal Court adjourned the case of 34‑year‑old Robert Maguire, who had pleaded guilty to assault causing harm and false imprisonment of his ex‑girlfriend on 14 January 2012. The judge, Mr Justice Paul Butler, received an anonymous letter urging that Maguire be "sent away for life" and was placed in a difficult position. He ordered a probation report after the defence requested a community service assessment, and the case was remanded for a further bail mention on 3 July. The victim, a 30‑year‑old woman, described severe trauma and the assault's lasting impact. Maguire's previous convictions included a 240‑hour community service sentence for theft. The court noted the defence's request for community service and the judge's need for a probation assessment before proceeding. The hearing ended with the case postponed for further consideration.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Sentencing of man who "ferociously" beat ex-girlfriend delayed after judge receives anonymous letter. Charges or matters: assault causing harm and false imprisonment in the woman's Dublin home on January 14, 2012. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- January 14, 2012 Incident
- July 3 Adjournment
- 2017-06-19 Publication
Why: He commented that he had to put the case back for a probation report because the defence team had asked him to consider community service and he couldn't consider that without an assessment by the Probation Service. Defence account reported by CNI
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: assault causing harm and false imprisonment in the woman's Dublin home on January 14, 2012 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: He ordered a probation report after Michael O'Higgins SC, defending, submitted that he be assessed for community service. The judge said at the time it was a "very, very serious assault" and that the seeking of a community service report should not be been seen as an indication of his final intentions.; Credit: Collins) By Conor Gallagher and Sonya McLean A man due to be sentenced today for "ferociously" beating his ex-girlfriend has had his case adjourned after the judge received an anonymous letter suggesting that the accused should be "sent away for life".
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- Colthurst Gardens
- Lucan
- Tallaght
- Tallaght Hospital
Topics
Stage Sentence Theft Violent Crime
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