Courts / Dublin / Report
Woman who attacked man she wrongly accused of raping family member may get community service
Summary
Zara McCabe, 34, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm after attacking a homeless man she believed had raped a family member. The assault lasted 30 minutes and McCabe, intoxicated and with poor mental health, claimed she had a blade and hoped to kill the victim. She has 21 prior convictions. The victim was taken to hospital, discharged, and died by suicide a week later. Judge Martin Nolan adjourned the case to assess McCabe for community service. If suitable, he may order 150 hours of community service instead of a two‑year prison term. McCabe's children are in care and she has secured work in a warehouse. The court noted her history of alcohol and addictive problems and her "very unfortunate family life.".
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Woman who attacked man she wrongly accused of raping family member may get community service. Charges or matters: assault causing harm on Fleet Street, Dublin 2 on November 4, 2020. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- November 4, 2020 Incident
- June 27 Adjournment
- 2022-02-01 Publication
Why: Photo: Collins) A woman who attacked a homeless man because she wrongly believed he had raped someone close to her may be ordered to carry out community service in lieu of a prison sentence. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: assault causing harm on Fleet Street, Dublin 2 on November 4, 2020 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Martin Nolan adjourned the case to allow for McCabe to be assessed by the Probation Service to determine if she is suitable for community service. He said if found suitable, he would order that she carry out 150 hours community service in lieu of a two-year prison term. "You are getting a considerable chance," Judge Nolan told McCabe. "What you did on the night was disgraceful to this poor man.; Judge Martin Nolan adjourned the case to allow for McCabe to be assessed by the Probation Service to determine if she is suitable for community service.
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