Courts / Clare / Report

Woman tells court that ex-partner caused harm 'for his own amusement'

Date
2025-06-03

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Scarriff

County
Clare

Summary

A 28‑year‑old man, Martin Gooney, pleaded guilty to coercive control and sexual assault. He was sentenced to three years and two months in prison, with a 12‑month post‑release supervision order. The victim, who wishes to remain anonymous, described how Gooney hid in her shed to spy on her, used her phone to send false messages, and repeatedly threatened her with violence, including a plan to hang her dog. He also sexually assaulted her in March 2021 and had other incidents of sexual assault. Gooney has nine prior convictions, including assault and threats of serious harm. He denied wrongdoing during the Garda interview but read a letter of apology at sentencing, claiming he was "young and stupid" and had no regard for the victim's feelings. The judge noted the victim's ongoing fear and the profound, long‑lasting impact of Gooney's actions.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Woman tells court that ex-partner caused harm 'for his own amusement'. Charges or matters: coercive control and sexual assault. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

August 2019 Other
March 2021 Incident
February 2020 Incident
2025-06-03 Publication

Why: A woman who was controlled and sexually assaulted by her former partner – who at one point hid in her shed in order to spy on her – has told a court that he caused harm "for his own amusement". CNI source report