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Controlling partner put bag over victim's head during 'vicious attack'
Summary
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, a 38‑year‑old man pleaded guilty to assault, controlling behaviour and other offences against his former partner and mother of their children. The judge found that over a period from 2019 to 2020 he subjected the woman to coercive control and intimate partner violence, culminating on 21 April 2020 in a "brutal, vicious attack" where he tried to choke her and placed a bag over her head while their two children were present. He also physically assaulted her, used a shopping bag in a tug‑of‑war, and later threatened her with a pitchfork. The court noted the victim's isolation, the man's alcohol use, and the presence of other incidents over the years. The judge sentenced him to three years, suspended the final 18 months, and ordered no direct contact with the woman for five years.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Controlling partner put bag over victim's head during 'vicious attack'. Charges or matters: numerous counts, including assault causing harm, and controlling behaviour towards his former partner and the mother of his children at a Dublin address on various dates between 2019 and 2020. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- April 21, 2020 Incident
- April 2020 Other
- 2019 and 2020 Incident
- 2025-04-11 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: numerous counts, including assault causing harm, and controlling behaviour towards his former partner and the mother of his children at a Dublin address on various dates between 2019 and 2020 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: By Claire Henry A man who tried to choke his partner and put a bag over her head in a "brutal, vicious attack" in front of their children during a lengthy period of coercive control has been jailed for 18 months. Taking into account mitigating factors, including the man's guilty plea, the fact he has not been in custody before, his work history and the fact he had €10,000 in court to give to his former partner as a token of his remorse, the judge set a sentence of three years and suspended the final 18 months.
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