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One-year jail term for attack on garda wife who thought she would die
Summary
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Kai Zhu, 39, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to his wife, Meihan Meng, and to one count of criminal damage. The assault occurred on 13 May 2020 at their home, where Zhu held Meng down on the kitchen floor, strangled her, slapped and punched her face repeatedly, and smashed her mobile phone. Meng, who was with their three‑year‑old daughter, described feeling unable to breathe and losing consciousness. A medical report noted temporary hearing loss. Zhu denied using a chokehold, claiming he only slapped. Judge Karen O'Connor sentenced him to 15 months' imprisonment, with the final three months suspended, and a concurrent six‑month sentence for criminal damage. The case highlighted the domestic violence that can occur in family homes. The court heard Meng was on sick leave for 46 days following the assault.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: One-year jail term for attack on garda wife who thought she would die. Charges or matters: assault causing harm to his wife at their home on Sandymount Ave on May 13, 2020; one count of criminal damage on the same date. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- May 13, 2020 Incident
- May 13 Other
- 2021-07-30 Publication
Why: "We started altercation because of trivial family issues. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: assault causing harm to his wife at their home on Sandymount Ave on May 13, 2020; one count of criminal damage on the same date (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge O'Connor sentenced Zhu to 15 months in prison, with the final three months suspended.
Places mentioned
Topics
Domestic Abuse Stage Sentence Violent Crime
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