Courts / Carlow / Report

Laois Man Sentenced Over New Year's Eve Attack in Carlow

Summary

William Donoghue has been jailed for 33 months for breaking a woman's jaw during a New Year's Eve altercation in Carlow. Donoghue was convicted of assault causing harm after punching the woman in the face. The victim, who required surgery and had her jaw wired shut for a month, described the lasting impact on her life, including difficulty eating and feeling unsafe. Donoghue claimed the woman struck him first, but the court rejected his version of events. Judge Eugene O'Kelly noted the aggravating factors, including the victim's vulnerability and Donoghue's physical strength. The judge imposed a three-and-a-half-year sentence, suspending the final nine months due to Donoghue's good family support and the Probation Service's willingness to work with him. The victim expressed that she never received an apology from Donoghue and hopes to never experience such an incident again. William Donoghue pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Laois Man Sentenced Over New Year's Eve Attack in Carlow. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Convicted

When:

• January 1, 2023 Hearing Or Sentence
• New Year's Eve Other
• New Years Eve Other
• 2025-11-28 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report