Courts / Dublin / Report

One-year jail term for man who kicked former partner in head 20 times

Date
2019-06-06

Stage
Hearing Or Decision

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

Philip Kernan, aged 48, was sentenced to three years' imprisonment with two years suspended for assault causing harm after a 45‑minute attack on his former partner, Angela Bissett, in her caravan in Donabate, Co. Dublin. Kernan repeatedly kicked Bissett in the face and head about 20 times, attempted strangulation, and dragged her back to the caravan after she had fled. He also demanded sex and threatened to "finish her off" if she sought help. Bissett suffered severe facial swelling, a cut lip, a wrist fracture and required 14 sutures. Kernan pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on 4 September 2016. In a victim impact statement, Bissett described ongoing fear and physical scars. Kernan's defence highlighted no prior violent convictions and claimed the incident was isolated, citing a history of abuse and post‑traumatic stress. The court imposed the sentence as stated.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: One-year jail term for man who kicked former partner in head 20 times. Charges or matters: assault causing harm on September 4, 2016. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

September 4, 2016 Incident
2019-06-06 Publication

Why: She said she had nothing left in life to hold on to and that she had difficulties applying lipstick because of scarring to her lip. CNI source report