Courts / Dublin / Report

Jail for woman who carried out 'savage' attack on new mum

Date
2023-05-24

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Blanchardstown

County
Dublin

Summary

Miranda McCabe, 37, of Tubberclare Meadows, Navan, was sentenced to nine months in jail for a planned assault on Stephanie Dunne, a new mother who had just returned home after visiting her premature baby in hospital. On 27 November 2021, McCabe jumped from a car, head‑butted Dunne, punched her repeatedly, and placed her in a headlock. A man in the car, dressed in black with gloves and a scarf, was also present and reportedly held knives. Dunne's son was struck when McCabe swung. DNA from a hair clump matched McCabe. McCabe pleaded guilty, citing mental health difficulties and a difficult period. The judge noted the attack was savage and that McCabe was not the principal carer of her child with special needs, and imposed a custodial sentence of two years with the final 15 months suspended on strict conditions.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Jail for woman who carried out 'savage' attack on new 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
2023-05-24 Publication

Why: "The motive for this savage attack is not clear," the judge said, adding there appeared to be a "tenuous connection" between the injured partner and McCabe. CNI source report