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Criminal with 'possibly highest number of previous convictions' threatened to kill pregnant partner
Summary
Dean Joyce, 33, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to one count of threatening to kill and one count of simple assault of his then partner at an address in Tallaght on November 6, 2024. The court heard that Joyce had 341 previous convictions. Prosecution evidence alleged that Joyce pursued his partner, who was eight months pregnant, outside their home while brandishing a hammer, threatening to kill her and their unborn child before forcing her back inside. He allegedly confiscated her phone until the following morning. A further count of production of an article was taken into consideration. Judge Orla Crowe described the conduct as heinous offending towards a woman in advanced pregnancy. While acknowledging Joyce's childhood deprivation and mitigating factors, the judge set a headline sentence of six years, reduced to four years. To incentivise rehabilitation and protect society, the judge suspended the final six months of the sentence, conditional on Joyce remaining under the supervision of the Probation Service during that period. Joyce has been in custody since his arrest.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Criminal with 'possibly highest number of previous convictions' threatened to kill pregnant partner. Charges or matters: one count of threatening to kill and one count of simple assault of his then partner at an address in Tallaght on November 6, 2024. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- November 6, 2024 Incident
- November 7 Other
- 2025-12-08 Publication
Why: She said that in order to incentivise Joyce's rehabilitation and "for the benefit and protection of society", she would suspend the final six months of the sentence under the condition that Joyce remain under the supervision of the Probation Service during this period. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: one count of threatening to kill and one count of simple assault of his then partner at an address in Tallaght on November 6, 2024 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: She said that in order to incentivise Joyce's rehabilitation and "for the benefit and protection of society", she would suspend the final six months of the sentence under the condition that Joyce remain under the supervision of the Probation Service during this period.
Places mentioned
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