Courts / Dublin / Report
No jail for man who broke partner's jaw while she held toddler in arms
Summary
A 50‑year‑old man was sentenced to a fully suspended term of three months and two weeks for kicking his partner in the head and breaking her jaw while she held their two‑year‑old toddler. He pleaded guilty to common assault, a lesser offence than the original assault‑causing‑harm charge, and the Director of Public Prosecutions accepted the plea. The incident occurred on 10 September 2010 in their home; the victim later required surgery and has since had sole custody of the child. She reported the assault in 2021, and the man was arrested in 2022. A safety order remains until May 2026. The judge, citing the victim's injuries, the lack of apology, and the aggravating circumstances, imposed the suspended sentence and ordered the defendant to pay €500 for medical costs, with an option to accept the remaining €1,500 or have it directed to a women's refuge.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: No jail for man who broke partner's jaw while she held toddler in arms. Charges or matters: common assault and was initially charged with assault causing harm, but a plea to the lesser offence was acceptable to the Director of Public Prosecutions. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- September 10, 2010 Incident
- May 2026 Incident
- 2024-11-04 Publication
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: common assault and was initially charged with assault causing harm, but a plea to the lesser offence was acceptable to the Director of Public Prosecutions (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: A 50-year-old man has received an entirely suspended sentence for kicking his partner in the head and breaking her jaw while she held their toddler in her arms. Noting that the maximum penalty was six months in prison, she imposed a sentence of three months and two weeks, before suspending it 'in its entirety'.
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