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Suspended sentence for man who poured boiling water on partner in front of children
Summary
Karl Harrison, 27, received a two‑year suspended sentence after he poured boiling water over his partner's back in front of their four children, aged seven months to eight years, while they were living in a cramped hostel room. The incident occurred on 1 April 2017 at the Townhouse B&B, Lower Gardiner St, Dublin 1, after the couple had been drinking vodka and arguing. Garda Elise Moran was called to the B&B that evening and met Harrison in the lobby before interviewing his partner in their room. Harrison claimed he had thrown a kettle into the air and the water landed on his partner, but he later admitted the act looked "disgraceful" and that there was no excuse. He denied pouring the water on her back. He had no prior convictions. Marie Torrens BL defended him, noting the difficult living conditions and that both parents had been drinking. Karl Harrison pleaded guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Suspended sentence for man who poured boiling water on partner in front of children. Charges or matters: one count of assault causing harm to his partner at his address in Townhouse B&B, Lower Gardiner St, Dublin 1 on April 1, 2017. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- April 1, 2017 Incident
- 2018-01-15 Publication
Why: The kettle had recently been boiled in order to prepare the baby's bottle, the court heard. Court evidence reported by CNI
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: one count of assault causing harm to his partner at his address in Townhouse B&B, Lower Gardiner St, Dublin 1 on April 1, 2017 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Martin Nolan said it was a "despicable" and "cowardly act" but he said he did not believe it merited a jail sentence, given the circumstances. "I must take into account they are still living together and still caring for their four children," the judge said.
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