Courts / Dublin / Report
'Like a bleeding mad woman': jail for woman over vicious assaults
Summary
Valerie McGovern, 57, of Ballymun, pleaded guilty to two separate violent assaults. In October 2018 she head‑butted and bit Patricia Nolan, pulling her to the ground and causing cuts and a bite mark. Nolan declined hospital treatment and later moved away. In August 2020 McGovern attacked Aishling Groves, waving a kitchen knife, attempting to slice her face and stabbing her on the neck. Groves was hospitalized for 12 days, including intensive care, and received 20 stitches. McGovern had eight prior convictions. Judge Elma Sheahan sentenced her to four years and four months, suspending the final eight months on strict conditions. The sentence includes a two‑year term for the 2018 assault and a two‑year‑four‑month term for the 2020 assault, to run consecutively, with the suspended portion subject to probation supervision. The judge noted McGovern's guilty pleas, efforts to address alcohol addiction, and the serious escalation of her offences.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 'Like a bleeding mad woman': jail for woman over vicious assaults. Charges or matters: two separate counts of causing harm to Patricia Nolan at Shangan Green, Santry on October 13, 2018 and to Aishling Groves at Whiteacre Place, Ballymun on August 29, 2020. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- October 13, 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
- August 29, 2020 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2023-06-07 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: two separate counts of causing harm to Patricia Nolan at Shangan Green, Santry on October 13, 2018 and to Aishling Groves at Whiteacre Place, Ballymun on August 29, 2020 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: She handed McGovern a total sentence of four years and four months, with the final eight months suspended on strict conditions. She suspended the final eight months of the sentence on strict conditions including that McGovern place herself under the supervision of the Probation Service.
Places mentioned
- Whiteacre Place
- McGovern place
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Topics
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