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Man avoids jail for 'unprovoked, shameful and cowardly attack' on partner
Summary
Matthew Telford, aged 32, was found guilty of assault causing harm after he attacked his partner in a hotel room in Tyrellstown on 13 August 2019. The assault took place in front of their children, with Telford squeezing the woman's face and jaw, throwing her onto the bed, grabbing her by the hair, and slapping and kicking her legs. She fell, breaking her wrist, which required surgery. Telford pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court and had no prior convictions. Judge Martin Nolan described the attack as "unprovoked, shameful and cowardly" and, considering his remorse and lack of previous offences, imposed a two‑year suspended sentence. The sentence includes a €4,000 compensation payment to the victim, with an additional €5,000 payable in two years, and the suspension will be lifted if the victim declines the money. The court noted the long‑term impact of the wrist injury but did not impose immediate custodial time.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Man avoids jail for 'unprovoked, shameful and cowardly attack' on partner. Charges or matters: assault causing harm at the hotel on August 13, 2019. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- August 13, 2019 Incident
- 2023-01-24 Publication
Why: He had €4,000 in court to offer her to compensate for her loss of earnings because of the injury to her wrist. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: assault causing harm at the hotel on August 13, 2019 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Photo: Collins) A man who carried out an "unprovoked, shameful and cowardly attack" on his parter in front of her children in their hotel room has been given a two-year suspended sentence. Judge Nolan sentenced Telford to two years in prison which he suspended in full on condition that he hand over €4,000 to the woman and a further €5,000 in two years.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Topics
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