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'Dominance, coercion and abuse of the power': on-the-run offender who imprisoned, humiliated and savagely attacked partner has sentence increased
Summary
In a Court of Appeal hearing, Mr Justice John Edwards increased the sentence of Soufiane Mountassir, a 40‑year‑old on‑the‑run arsonist, from three to five and a half years for false imprisonment and assault causing harm. Mountassir had forced his former partner into the boot of her car, driving her to dark locations where he beat her for an hour and 40 minutes, causing her to fear for her life. He had been drinking, taking Dalmane, cocaine and cannabis during the attack. The Court noted the dominance, coercion and abuse of power in the intimate relationship, and that the original sentence was too lenient. The new headline sentence was set at eight years, with a two‑and‑a‑half‑year reduction for mitigating factors, resulting in the final five‑and‑a‑half‑year term. The decision was based on the aggravating nature of the violence and the victim's prolonged trauma. Soufiane Mountassir pleaded guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 'Dominance, coercion and abuse of the power': on-the-run offender who imprisoned, humiliated and savagely attacked partner has sentence increased. 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
- 2024-12-19 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: Imposing sentence in December 2023, Judge Orla Crowe said the victim "opened her home and heart" to Mountassir. Counsel submitted that the sentence imposed in this case represented an error in principle and was a substantial departure from the appropriate sentence.
Places mentioned
- Court of Appeal
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Mountjoy
- Mountjoy Square
- Dublin
- Blackhall Street
Topics
Drugs Stage Appeal Violent Crime
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