Courts / Ireland / Report

Man who falsely imprisoned and sexually assaulted partner during 'prolonged ordeal' is jailed

Date
2024-04-09
Stage
Sentence

Summary

A 32‑year‑old man pleaded guilty at the Central Criminal Court to false imprisonment, threat to kill, assault causing harm, sexual assault and false imprisonment for an incident on 1 August 2021. He had previously been convicted of an assault offence. The court heard that the man and his girlfriend had broken up in November 2020 but rekindled their relationship the following summer. On 1 August the man confronted the woman at his home, threatened her with a knife, held it to her throat, and later sexually assaulted her after removing her shorts. He repeatedly restrained her, blocked the door, and dragged her by the arm and shoulder. The woman escaped several times before being taken home and the man was arrested a few days later. The judge imposed a four‑year concurrent sentence, suspended the final two years on condition of probation and treatment programmes, and noted the man's medium risk of re‑offending.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Man who falsely imprisoned and sexually assaulted partner during 'prolonged ordeal' is jailed. Charges or matters: a number of offences including making a threat to kill or causing serious harm, assault causing harm, sexual assault and false imprisonment on August 1, 2021. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

Why: He claimed that he was trying to protect the woman because he believed she was going to hurt herself. CNI source report

Case subjects

Unnamed 32-year-old

Accused

Charges: a number of offences including making a threat to kill or causing serious harm, assault causing harm, sexual assault and false imprisonment on August 1, 2021 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: A man who falsely imprisoned, threatened and attacked his girlfriend in a "prolonged ordeal" during which he put a knife to her throat and later sexually assaulted her, has been jailed for two years. He suspended the final two years of the sentence on condition that the defendant engage with the Probation Service and undergo any treatment programmes they deem as suitable for a period of two years.

Places mentioned

Court Venue
  • Central Criminal Court

Topics

Stage Sentence Violent Crime

Read the original CNI report

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