Courts / Dublin / Report

Evidence gives 'clear picture of ongoing violence', State tells coercive control jury

Summary

In a coercive control trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, a 52‑year‑old accused faces charges of coercive control, intimidation, endangerment and multiple assaults against his former partner. He pleaded not guilty to one count of controlling behaviour between 1 January and 22 September 2019, and to 13 assault counts, one endangerment and one intimidation between May 2018 and January 2020. The endangerment charge involves an incident at a Dublin bridge where the accused allegedly pushed the woman toward the railings, creating a serious risk of death or injury. Assault allegations include burning her foot with a cigarette, pushing her down stairs, head‑butting, punching, standing on her head, stamping on her arm and strangling her. Prosecutor Kerida Naidoo argued that the evidence shows a clear picture of ongoing violence and persistent abuse, while defence counsel Seamus Clarke described the relationship as toxic and dysfunctional, arguing for not guilty verdicts.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Evidence gives 'clear picture of ongoing violence', State tells coercive control jury. Charges or matters: one count of engaging in behaviour which was controlling or coercive of his partner at various locations, including their Dublin home, between January 1, 2019 and September 22, 2019; 13 counts of assault causing harm to his partner, one count of assault, one count of endangerment and one count of intimidation on dates between May 2018 and January 2020. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• January 1, 2019 Incident
• September 22, 2019 Incident
• May 2018 Incident
• January 2020 Incident
• 2020-11-03 Publication

Why: Mr Naidoo suggested that it was not "a relationship of equals" because only one of them was regularly turning up "battered and bruised". CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

Related court reports

• Man charged with having 56k child abuse images and videos remanded on bail
• Ex-Dáil hopeful's allegations against former employer 'complete fantasy', WRC told
• Mater must pay €10k to worker who said he was wrongly accused of abusing patient
• 'I think we know I won't be getting bail' - Daniel Kinahan charged with directing criminal organisation
• Letting agent who claimed alleged domestic violence victim abandoned tenancy by fleeing to refuge must pay €14.7k
• 77-year-old with 470 convictions told Luas staff to 'f**k off'

Read the original CNI report