Courts / Dublin / Report

No jail for man who punched girlfriend multiple times

Date
2019-10-22

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Swords

County
Dublin

Summary

David Swords, 23, pleaded guilty to assaulting his girlfriend Jessica Walsh in Glasthule on 21 June 2017 after believing she had kissed his cousin. He admitted punching her more than five but less than ten times, holding her with his left hand and striking with his right. The assault was described by Judge Martin Nolan as unprovoked, sudden and vicious. Swords had no prior convictions and was cooperative, having begun weekly anger‑management and domestic‑abuse courses. The judge cited his guilty plea, lack of criminal history, education, employment and steps to control his temper as mitigating factors. He was sentenced to three years' imprisonment, fully suspended on strict conditions, including a €12,500 payment to be forfeited if the victim declined it. The court did not read the victim impact report, and Walsh was treated for swelling and bruising at hospital. The case was adjourned overnight for further consideration.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: No jail for man who punched girlfriend multiple times. Charges or matters: assault causing Ms Walsh harm in Glasthule on June 21, 2017. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

June 21, 2017 Incident
2019-10-22 Publication

Why: A man who punched his girlfriend multiple times in the face because he believed she had kissed his cousin has received a fully suspended sentence. CNI source report

Case subjects

David Swords

Defendant

Charges: assault causing Ms Walsh harm in Glasthule on June 21, 2017 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: Judge Nolan sentenced Swords to three years imprisonment, but suspended the sentence in full on strict conditions including that he collect €12,500 within 18 months, which the court will dispose of in the event that the injured party does not wish to accept it. Addressing Swords directly after passing his sentence, Judge Nolan told him he behaved shamefully on the night and that any repeat or anything similar at all and he knew what would happen.; Judge Nolan had adjourned the case overnight to consider it, having asked Mr Staunton if someone who attacks a woman like this should go to jail.