Courts / Dublin / Report

Man avoids jail for attacking pregnant girlfriend and stealing her phone

Date
2024-01-26

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, 33‑year‑old Daragh Houlihan pleaded guilty to robbery for an incident on 4 May 2021 in which he attacked his pregnant girlfriend, wrestled with her over a knife, pushed and kicked her, and stole her phone. The judge described his conduct as "utterly reprehensible" and noted the victim's pregnancy and the relationship's end. Houlihan's addiction to cocaine and heroin was cited as a mitigating factor. The court imposed a headline sentence of three years, reduced to two years and three months, and suspended the entire term for three years on strict conditions, including no contact with the victim and notification of any new intimate relationship. Houlihan agreed to participate in programs addressing intimate partner violence, anger management, and offence‑focused intervention. The victim's impact statement highlighted her fear and emotional distress following the assault. The case concluded with a fully suspended sentence and no custodial time.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Man avoids jail for attacking pregnant girlfriend and stealing her phone. Charges or matters: robbery on May 4, 2021 on Rathmines Road. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

May 4, 2021 Hearing Or Sentence
2024-01-26 Publication

Case subjects

Daragh Houlihan

Defendant

Charges: robbery on May 4, 2021 on Rathmines Road (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: She suspended the sentence for three years on strict conditions. Counsel asked Judge Crowe to be as lenient as possible when sentencing Houlihan and to consider finalising the case with no immediate custodial sentence.