Courts / Dublin / Report
First coercive control trial sees man (52) convicted
Summary
In the first trial under the 2018 Domestic Violence Act, a 52‑year‑old Dublin man was convicted of coercive control, intimidation and multiple assaults against his former partner. He pleaded not guilty to one count of controlling behaviour and 13 counts of assault, endangerment and intimidation. The jury found him guilty of coercive control, intimidation, assault and 12 counts of assault causing harm, but acquitted him on one count of assault causing harm involving a stair incident and one count of endangerment involving a bridge. The trial lasted just under 15 hours. The woman, aged 43, gave evidence via video‑link, describing a pattern of physical and psychological abuse, including threats of drowning, forced nudity, and repeated violence. The judge remanded the man in custody pending sentencing. The case highlighted the application of the new domestic violence legislation.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: First coercive control trial sees man (52) convicted. 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
- 2020-11-11 Publication
Why: The woman agreed that she sometimes got hysterical, saying that she thought that if she got loud that he might stop because she knew he would be violent. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: 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 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Outcome: She remanded the man in continuing custody and adjourned the matter to tomorrow, when she will fix a date for sentencing.
Places mentioned
Topics
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