Courts / Cork / Report
Mother "at low point in life" threatened and tried to stab woman
Summary
In a case heard at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Serena O'Leary, aged 43, pleaded guilty to assaulting Caroline Madden on 20 August 2016. O'Leary arrived at Madden's home the following morning, soaked and smelling of alcohol, and produced a nine‑inch knife after claiming Madden had said something to her partner. Madden managed to restrain O'Leary's arm, preventing a stab to her stomach, while O'Leary threatened her with death, punched her in the face and continued to threaten her until Madden's brother intervened and removed her from the premises. O'Leary, who has nine prior convictions for minor public‑order and traffic offences, was described by the detective as having suffered a low point in her life, including drug abuse and homelessness. The judge noted that no injuries were inflicted and adjourned sentencing to 28 March next year, ordering an updated Probation Service report. The case was presented by prosecutor Dean Kelly BL and defence counsel Bernard Condon SC.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Mother "at low point in life" threatened and tried to stab woman. Charges or matters: assaulting Ms Madden causing her harm at Cathedral View Walk, Dublin on August 20, 2016. Procedural stage: charge_or_pretrial
When:
- August 20, 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
- March 28 Adjournment
- 2018-12-11 Publication
Why: A mother-of-two showed up to an acquaintance's home with a knife and went to stab her because of something she thought the woman had said, a court has heard. CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: assaulting Ms Madden causing her harm at Cathedral View Walk, Dublin on August 20, 2016 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: She ordered an updated report from The Probation Service and adjourned sentencing until March 28 next year.
Places mentioned
Topics
Drugs Stage Charge Or Pretrial
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