Courts / Kerry / Report
Man who stalked and tried to murder ex-partner to be sentenced next year
Summary
Pedro Cifali, 37, a Brazilian, will be sentenced on 9 February 2025 for attempting to murder his former partner, Lucia Nezbalova, 43, in Dublin. He electronically tracked her car, disguised himself, and stabbed her at her home in Garnish Square, causing severe injuries that required surgery. Nezbalova suffered life‑threatening wounds and now endures PTSD, anxiety and depression. Cifali pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity and has no prior record. He has been in custody since the incident and has shown progress. The court adjourned sentencing to 9 February, with the prosecution seeking a headline sentence of 15 to 20 years, citing the extreme violence, premeditation and domestic abuse context. The case remains at the sentencing stage, with no further outcomes reported.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Man who stalked and tried to murder ex-partner to be sentenced next year. Charges or matters: attempting to murder Lucia Nezbalova (43) at the front door of her home in Garnish Square, Waterville, Dublin 15 on May 10, 2024; a lengthy period in custody, he asks for "light at the end of the tunnel". Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- February 9 Adjournment
- May 10, 2024 Hearing Or Sentence
- April 2024 Incident
- 2025-10-20 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 Lucia Nezbalova (43) at the front door of her home in Garnish Square, Waterville, Dublin 15 on May 10, 2024; a lengthy period in custody, he asks for "light at the end of the tunnel" (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: He pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity, Mr Bowman said, and while Cifali accepts he will be sentenced to a lengthy period in custody, he asks for "light at the end of the tunnel".; Ms Justice Creedon adjourned sentencing to February 9.
Places mentioned
- Garnish Square
- Central Criminal Court
- Garnish Square
Topics
Related court reports
- Jail term increased for hammer attacker who left 'Good Samaritan' grandmother blind in one eye
- 16-year sentence for man who tried to murder partner after donning disguise and tagging her car
- Pair who carried out 'prolonged' hammer attack in which grandmother lost eye have convictions upheld
- 'Punishment beating' victim was 'in and out of consciousness' during garda statement, appeal told
- Man repeatedly stabbed ex-partner after putting tracking device on her car and donning disguise
- 'Not a potential killer or hitman': man jailed for conspiracy to buy handgun
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request