Courts / Dublin / Report

20 months for man who whipped pregnant ex with cord in 'merciless' attack

Summary

Martin Maughan, aged 30, was sentenced to 20 months in prison by the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for assault causing harm and criminal damage. He attacked his pregnant former partner, who was five months pregnant, with an electric cord, a lamp, and his fists, causing soft‑tissue injuries to her arms, head and shoulder. The assault lasted about an hour and included kicking, punching, whipping, and striking her head against a wall. Maughan had previously pleaded guilty to the charges and had 26 prior convictions, including 11 public‑order offences. He was known to have alcohol and mental‑health issues. The court noted his guilty plea and remorse as mitigating factors, but also highlighted the aggravating factor of the victim's pregnancy. The sentence reflects the seriousness of the attack on a pregnant woman in her own home.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 20 months for man who whipped pregnant ex with cord in 'merciless' attack. Charges or matters: assault causing harm; criminal damage. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• February 8, 2020 Incident
• 2011 and 2018 Incident
• 2023-03-03 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report