Courts / Dublin / Report
Three-year sentence for on-the-run arsonist who forced woman into boot of car during brutal attack was too lenient, State argues
Summary
Soufiane Mountassir, 39, was sentenced to three years' imprisonment in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for false imprisonment and assault causing harm after he forced his former partner into the boot of her own car and beat her for one hour and 40 minutes. The victim, who was his partner at the time, was subjected to repeated blows, was forced to drive to dark locations, and suffered injuries including blood on the steering wheel and gearstick. Mountassir, who was drinking, taking Dalmane, cocaine and smoking cannabis, claimed to be Moroccan and gave vague answers to Gardaí. He was also wanted in Germany for arson, for which a separate sentence of three years and one month had been imposed. The State argued the sentence was too lenient, citing the severity of the assault, the abduction, and the aggravating factors, while Mountassir's counsel maintained the judge had imposed an appropriate sentence. The Court of Appeal will reserve judgment. Soufiane Mountassir pleaded guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Three-year sentence for on-the-run arsonist who forced woman into boot of car during brutal attack was too lenient, State argues. Charges or matters: false imprisonment in Dublin 8 and assault causing harm on Blackhall Street, Dublin 7 in the early hours of November 13, 2022. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- November 13, 2022 Incident
- December 2023 Incident
- 2024-10-25 Publication
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: false imprisonment in Dublin 8 and assault causing harm on Blackhall Street, Dublin 7 in the early hours of November 13, 2022 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Other factors included that the assault took place within the context of an intimate relationship and the fact that Mountassir was wanted in another jurisdiction for another serious offence – arson – for which a significant penalty of three years and one months' imprisonment had been imposed. Miceál O'Connor BL, representing Mountassir, said the judge had properly considered all the factors and circumstances of the case and had imposed the appropriate sentence. "In my submission Judge Crowe got this right," he said, adding she had dealt with the matter "impeccably".
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Court of Appeal
- Mountjoy
- Mountjoy Square
- Dublin
- Blackhall Street
Topics
Drugs Stage Appeal Violent Crime
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