Courts / Dublin / Report

Jail for man who attacked partner after night out

Date
2023-01-27

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Balbriggan

County
Dublin

Summary

Peter Monks, 32, of Balbriggan, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to his then-partner on 30 November 2019 after returning home intoxicated from a night out. He punched, kicked, bit and pulled her hair, causing serious stress and bruises. The victim fled to a neighbour's house, later returned to find Monks sleeping, then was attacked again with a shoe. Gardaí recorded the injuries and arrested Monks. Monks admitted drinking heavily and could not recall details. He had 20 prior convictions. Judge Martin Nolan, after hearing counsel's request not to imprison him, imposed a custodial sentence of two years with the final 16 months suspended. The court noted the victim's recovery and Monks' mental health concerns, including a suicide attempt and a letter from his sister. The case remains at the sentencing stage.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Jail for man who attacked partner after night out. Charges or matters: assault causing harm to his then partner at their home in Balbriggan on November 30, 2019. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

November 30, 2019 Incident
2023-01-27 Publication

Case subjects

Peter Monks

Defendant

Charges: assault causing harm to his then partner at their home in Balbriggan on November 30, 2019 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: Passing sentence today, Judge Martin Nolan said the facts in this case were that Monks assaulted his then partner in a serious way, which caused her serious stress. However, he said Monks deserved a custodial sentence before imposing a sentence of two years in prison with the final 16 months suspended.