Courts / Dublin / Report
Community service for former nurse who assaulted his partner
Summary
James Butler, a 38‑year‑old former nurse from Springfield, Tallaght, pleaded guilty in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to assault causing harm to his partner on 14 December 2014. He put his hands on her neck, choked her and struck her head against a wardrobe. The victim, who has a young son with Butler, collapsed and later received medical treatment, including four stitches to her cheek. Butler was not jailed because he had no prior convictions, had taken responsibility, and ensured the victim received medical care. Judge Catherine Murphy ordered Butler to complete 150 hours of community service within two years and to pay €1,155 in medical costs by April. The case highlighted the couple's volatile relationship, with no prior protection orders and Butler's continued contact with the child after the assault.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Community service for former nurse who assaulted his partner. Charges or matters: assault causing harm to a woman at her home on December 14, 2014. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- December 14, 2014 Incident
- Christmas Incident
- 2016-03-16 Publication
Why: At a previous sentence hearing, Judge Catherine Murphy told the court that she would not be jailing Butler because of the absence of any previous convictions and the fact that he took immediate responsibility and made sure she got the best medical treatment. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: assault causing harm to a woman at her home on December 14, 2014 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: At a previous sentence hearing, Judge Catherine Murphy told the court that she would not be jailing Butler because of the absence of any previous convictions and the fact that he took immediate responsibility and made sure she got the best medical treatment.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- St Vincent's Hospital
- Columbia University Hospital
Topics
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