Courts / Dublin / Report

Jail for man who beat ex-girlfriend while driving around Dublin

Date
2018-02-21

Stage
Sentence

Court
Dublin. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

A 36‑year‑old labourer, Aidan O'Hara, was sentenced to 27 months' imprisonment for assaulting his ex‑girlfriend, Jessica Ayodeji, in their car while driving around Dublin. The Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that O'Hara, of Hand Caravan Park, dragged Ms Ayodeji back into the vehicle after she tried to escape at traffic lights, and that he had also pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and failing to remain at the scene of a collision on the same day. The court noted that O'Hara had 14 prior convictions, including assaults, drug offences, burglary and criminal damage, and that he had a history of violent conduct toward partners. He was also banned from driving for two years. The judge highlighted that O'Hara had cooperated with Gardaí, shown remorse, and completed an alternative to violence course while in custody. The sentence was back‑dated to the time he entered custody in July 2017.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Jail for man who beat ex-girlfriend while driving around Dublin. Charges or matters: assaulting Ms Ayodeji causing her harm at locations at Griffith Court, Drumcondra; Fairview and Philipsburgh Avenue, Marino, all in Dublin on July 5, 2017; dangerous driving and failing to remain at the scene of a collision at Philipsburgh Avenue, Marino on the same date. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

July 5, 2017 Incident
2018-02-21 Publication

Case subjects

Aidan O'Hara

Defendant

Charges: assaulting Ms Ayodeji causing her harm at locations at Griffith Court, Drumcondra; Fairview and Philipsburgh Avenue, Marino, all in Dublin on July 5, 2017; dangerous driving and failing to remain at the scene of a collision at Philipsburgh Avenue, Marino on the same date (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: Counsel submitted that her client was filled with remorse and regret and had completed an alternative to violence course in custody while awaiting sentence.