Courts / Dublin / Report

Violent criminal gets five years for threatening to kill woman with sword

Summary

Sean McDermott, 37, of Raheen Drive, Ballyfermot, pleaded guilty on 17 December 2019 to assault causing harm and making threats to kill after a violent encounter at his home. He had 153 prior convictions, including three for assault. The victim, who was walking home, was drugged, assaulted, and threatened with a sword. McDermott's mother and another man were present, demanding money and threatening to take the victim to the post office. The victim escaped, and Gardaí found blood on her jeans and a red mark on her neck; photographs of her injuries were submitted to court. McDermott's use of the sword and aggression were aggravating factors. Judge Pauline Codd imposed a five‑year sentence, with the final 12 months suspended for the threat to kill, and four years for assault, both running concurrently and back‑dated to his entry into custody.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Violent criminal gets five years for threatening to kill woman with sword. Charges or matters: assault causing harm and making threats to kill at the same address on December 17, 2019. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• December 17, 2019 Incident
• December 16, 2019 Hearing Or Sentence
• December 17 Other
• 2022-11-29 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence 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