Courts / Dublin / Report
Woman in 'savage' attack on vulnerable mum
Summary
Miranda McCabe, 37, of Navan, Co Meath, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to Stephanie Dunne at Priorswood Avenue, Blanchardstown, Dublin, on November 27, 2021. The court heard that Ms Dunne, who had just returned from visiting her premature baby in hospital, was attacked by McCabe on her porch. Garda Mark Reilly stated that McCabe head-butted and punched the victim, while a male co-accused, who is still before the courts, held knives and later dragged McCabe away. DNA from a hair clump found at the scene matched McCabe. Judge Martin Nolan described the incident as a "savage" attack on a vulnerable woman, noting the motive remained unclear. Although the judge expressed an instinct to imprison McCabe, he cited concerns for her three children, one of whom has significant medical needs. Considering McCabe's five previous convictions and her status as a single mother, Judge Nolan did not finalise the sentence immediately. Instead, he ordered a Probation Services report to assess her suitability for community service. The matter was adjourned to May 12.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Woman in 'savage' attack on vulnerable mum. Charges or matters: assault causing harm to Stephanie Dunne at Priorswood Avenue, Blanchardstown, Dublin, on November 27, 2021. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- November 27, 2021 Incident
- May 12 Adjournment
- 2023-02-17 Publication
Why: By Claire Henry A woman with an "unclear motive" for carrying out a "savage" attack on a mother who had just returned home from the hospital after visiting her premature baby will be sentenced later this year. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: assault causing harm to Stephanie Dunne at Priorswood Avenue, Blanchardstown, Dublin, on November 27, 2021 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: He said he would not finalise the matter immediately and instead ordered a Probation Services report to ascertain if McCabe is suitable for community service.; He adjourned the case to May 12.
Places mentioned
- Priorswood Avenue
- Blanchardstown
- Dublin
Topics
Related court reports
- Murderer argues he was 'out of control' following Christmas Eve steakhouse shooting
- State drops all charges against double killer Derek Boyd's partner
- Driver who switched off headlights in effort to evade gardai fails in sentence appeal
- Derek Boyd now a double killer as jury finds him of guilty of murder
- Murder accused's previous conviction for manslaughter of sister can only be used if relevant, judge charges jury
- Not a 'shred of evidence' that Derek Boyd's girlfriend knew nature of injury to deceased man, defence tell trial
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request