Courts / Dublin / Report

Victim tells court of "guilt" of bringing attempted murderer into her life

Date
2016-07-14
Stage
Sentence
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

A 51‑year‑old woman, Rose Kenny, gave a victim impact statement after a 2014 knife attack by her former partner, Denis Leahy, who had been charged with attempted murder. Kenny described herself as a normal 49‑year‑old working at a local creche when Leahy, whom she had known for about five years, viciously stabbed her three times in the neck and three times in the chest. She survived after twelve hours of surgery and a seven‑week hospital stay, suffering severe physical and psychological trauma. Kenny expressed guilt over having brought Leahy into her life and questioned her judgment of character. She reported ongoing anxiety, loss of trust, and difficulty returning to work, while her family continues to support her recovery. Leahy's guilty plea will be considered at sentencing next Thursday.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Victim tells court of "guilt" of bringing attempted murderer into her life. Charges or matters: attempting to murder Rose Kenny at School Street Flats, Dublin 8 on September 23, 2014; intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to Ms Kenny at the same address on the same date; the attempted murder of Rose Kenny after the case had opened to the jury on June 22; attempted murder subsequently and a trial date for the case was fixed; count 1; count 2 on the indictment which was assault causing harm," said Mr Marrinan. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

Why: Mr Marrinan explained that it was not until after they split up that Denis Leahy had travelled to Thailand and resided there. CNI source report

Case subjects

Denis Leahy

Accused

Charges: attempting to murder Rose Kenny at School Street Flats, Dublin 8 on September 23, 2014; intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to Ms Kenny at the same address on the same date; the attempted murder of Rose Kenny after the case had opened to the jury on June 22; attempted murder subsequently and a trial date for the case was fixed; count 1; count 2 on the indictment which was assault causing harm," said Mr Marrinan (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: Leahy will be sentenced next Thursday. SENTENCE HEARING: This morning Mr Patrick Marrinan SC, prosecuting, told the court that Denis Leahy had pleaded guilty to the attempted murder of Rose Kenny after the case had opened to the jury on June 22.

Places mentioned

Residence
Address Area
  • School Street
  • Mountjoy Street
Secondary Mention
Court Venue
  • Central Criminal Court
Facility
  • St James Hospital
Garda Station
  • had gone to Mountjoy Garda Station
  • Mountjoy
  • taken to Kevin Street Garda Station
  • Kevin Street
  • presented himself in Mountjoy Garda Station

Topics

Stage Sentence Violent Crime

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