Courts / Dublin / Report
Man repeatedly stabbed ex-partner after putting tracking device on her car and donning disguise
Summary
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, 37‑year‑old Pedro Cifali, a Brazilian, was charged with attempting to murder his former partner, Lucia Nezbalova, 43. After their breakup in April 2024, Cifali placed an electronic tag on Nezbalova's car, enabling him to track her movements. On the day of the attack, CCTV captured him arriving at a Blanchardstown garage, disguising himself with a baseball cap, blonde wig, and lighter beard, and then following Nezbalova to a McDonald's. He approached her at her home in Garnish Square, claiming to "just want to talk," before pulling a knife and stabbing her in the neck, back of the head, abdomen, and arms. The abdominal wound exposed organs; doctors at the scene and in hospital saved her life. Nezbalova suffered life‑threatening injuries, ongoing treatment, and permanent scars. Cifali surrendered the next day and admitted the assault. Pedro Cifali pleaded guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Man repeatedly stabbed ex-partner after putting tracking device on her car and donning disguise. Charges or matters: attempting to murder Ms Nezbalova at the front door of her home in Garnish Square, Waterville, Dublin 15 on May 10, 2024. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- May 10, 2024 Incident
- October 20 Hearing Or Sentence
- April 2024 Incident
- 2025-07-28 Publication
Why: She said she was forced to return to work before she had fully healed because she is now the only provider for her children and lacks family support in Ireland. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: attempting to murder Ms Nezbalova at the front door of her home in Garnish Square, Waterville, Dublin 15 on May 10, 2024 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Ms Justice Eileen Creedon will hear pleas in mitigation on behalf of Cifali on October 20 before passing sentence.
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- Garnish Square
- Garnish Square
Topics
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