Courts / Limerick / Report

Violent criminal had part of tongue bitten off during sex attack

Summary

During a Central Criminal Court hearing, Gerard Ward, aged 48, was sentenced to five and a half years' imprisonment for an aggravated sexual assault committed on August 25, 2020, at Raheen Business Park, Limerick. The assault involved a threat of rape, forced kissing, and the victim biting down on Ward's tongue, removing a significant portion. Ward also pulled the victim's hair, leaving a bald patch, and inflicted bite marks and scratches. He had previously been convicted of robbery, road traffic, and drug offences, receiving sentences of six and seven years in 2016 and 2001 respectively. The judge, Mr Justice Michael MacGrath, set a headline sentence of seven years, reduced by 18 months, and suspended the final six months, citing Ward's remorse and acceptance of the jury verdict. The court noted Ward's injuries required relearning how to speak. The victim, who had called emergency services, was praised for her bravery.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Violent criminal had part of tongue bitten off during sex attack. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Convicted

When:

• August 25, 2020 Incident
• 2024-07-12 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Road Traffic Stage Sentence Theft Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report