Courts / Carlow / Report
Woman feared she would die as partner strangled her, Carlow Court hears
Summary
Paul Rowland was convicted of strangling his then-partner at her home in County Carlow in January 2025. The woman testified that Rowland, who was intoxicated, grabbed her by the neck and strangled her, causing her to fear for her life. She managed to escape and barricaded herself and her son in a bedroom before contacting the gardaí. Rowland was found not guilty of the two assault charges but was convicted of the strangulation charge. The court heard that Rowland had previously tripped the woman and pushed a pool table into her, causing injuries. The jury deliberated for nearly three hours before convicting him. Rowland was remanded in custody for sentencing in March. The court acknowledged the woman's account of the incident and the severity of the strangulation charge, which was a new offense added to the Non-fatal Offences Against The Person Act in 2023. Rowland denied the allegations and claimed he was not intoxicated, but the gardaí confirmed he was unfit for questioning due to his level of intoxication.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Woman feared she would die as partner strangled her, Carlow Court hears. Charges or matters: two charges of assaulting the woman causing her harm on January 25 and January 26, 2025; intentionally or recklessly strangling the woman on January 29, 2025. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- January 25 Incident
- January 26, 2025 Incident
- January 29, 2025 Incident
- January 29 Incident
- March 6 Adjournment
- January 25, 2025 Adjournment
- 2026-02-20 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: two charges of assaulting the woman causing her harm on January 25 and January 26, 2025; intentionally or recklessly strangling the woman on January 29, 2025 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Outcome: Rowland was remanded in continuing custody for sentence next March 6 next.; Rowland was remanded in continuing custody for sentence next March 6 next.
Places mentioned
- Carlow
- Carlow Circuit Criminal Court
- and brought to Carlow Garda Station
- Carlow
Topics
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