Courts / Dublin / Report

Four-year sentence for businessman who violently attacked girlfriend

Date
2018-11-27
Stage
Sentence
Primary locality
Lucan
County
Dublin

Summary

In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Joseph Fraser, 42, was sentenced to four years for violently assaulting his girlfriend. Fraser, who had been dating the woman for a few months, drove to her home drunk and, after she hid his car keys, began punching her in the ribs, face and head. The attack continued through the hallway, kitchen and back garden, where Fraser dragged her by the hair, slammed her face against sliding doors and kicked her head with a steel‑toe shoe. Fraser pleaded guilty to assault causing harm. Judge Melanie Greally noted the extreme violence, imposed a four‑year sentence with the final 18 months suspended, and required Fraser to complete victim‑focused work and engage with MOVE. The victim's impact statement described lasting physical injuries, flashbacks, and the effect on her children and parents. The case highlighted Fraser's prior convictions for drunk driving and his recent efforts to address alcohol problems.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Four-year sentence for businessman who violently attacked girlfriend. Charges or matters: assault causing harm at Foxborough Downs, Lucan, Dublin, on September 19, 2017. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

Case subjects

Unnamed woman

Defendant

Charges: assault causing harm at Foxborough Downs, Lucan, Dublin, on September 19, 2017 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: She imposed a four year sentence with the final 18 months suspended, taking into consideration his guilty plea, excellent work history and his recent efforts to deal with his alcohol problems. Judge Greally suspended the final 18 months of the sentence on condition Fraser completes victim focused work and engages with MOVE (Men Overcoming Violent Emotions).

Places mentioned

Incident
Court Venue
  • Dublin
  • Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Residence
  • Mount Eagle Drive

Topics

Stage Sentence Violent Crime

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

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