Courts / Dublin / Report

'Where is the drugs': man attacked partner outside garda station

Date
2021-06-30

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Dublin City

County
Dublin

Summary

Charles McDonagh, aged 43, was sentenced to three‑and‑a‑half years in prison for assault causing harm after attacking his former partner outside Bridewell Garda Station. The incident occurred on 29 March 2020 when McDonagh stood over the woman, holding her blood‑stained handbag and shouting, "Where is the drugs?" CCTV footage showed him punching her at least fifteen times, pinning her against the station wall, and assaulting her again after she tried to flee. The victim suffered swelling, bruising, and bleeding from her nose and mouth. McDonagh, who had 44 prior convictions including assault and violent behaviour in a garda station, pleaded guilty. He was given a four‑year sentence with the final six months suspended, subject to strict probation conditions for twelve months after release. The court noted his history of drug and alcohol abuse and his efforts to change during a year of remand.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'Where is the drugs': man attacked partner outside garda station. Charges or matters: assault causing harm at Church Street, Dublin City centre, on March 29, 2020. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

March 29, 2020 Incident
2021-06-30 Publication

Case subjects

Charles McDonagh

Defendant

Charges: assault causing harm at Church Street, Dublin City centre, on March 29, 2020 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: Judge Sheahan sentenced McDonagh to four years imprisonment, but suspended the final six months on strict conditions, including that he follow all directions of the Probation Service for 12 months post release.