Courts / Wicklow / Report
'Cruel, inhumane': man jailed for coercive control and false imprisonment of partner
Summary
Cian Smullen, 30, was sentenced to four years in prison, with the final year suspended, at the Central Criminal Court for coercive control, false imprisonment, burglary, criminal damage and threats to cause criminal damage. He had repeatedly attacked his former partner, threatened to plant drugs in her home to have Tusla take her child, and tried to break into her house with an axe and screwdriver. The victim described ongoing abuse, bruises, a black eye, and fear of losing her daughter. Smullen pleaded guilty in November and admitted to a long history of cocaine and alcohol use. The judge noted his high risk of re‑offending, limited remorse, and the need for post‑release intervention, while acknowledging his claim of turning his life around. The sentence was back‑dated to November for time already spent in custody.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 'Cruel, inhumane': man jailed for coercive control and false imprisonment of partner. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- November 2020 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2025-03-03 Publication
Why: " The woman said she couldn't leave the house because of the bruises on her face having been pinned down, beaten and choked by Smullen. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Detective Garda Liz Collins told a sentence hearing last December that Smullen became threatening, abusive and began ordering the woman to stay at home. He accepts fully that there is a prison sentence to be imposed.
Places mentioned
Topics
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