‘Controlling’ man who bit partner on the face jailed for two years
A woman has revealed how she was trapped “in a cycle of fear and manipulation” by her abusive former partner.
She told an in camera sentence hearing at Dundalk Circuit Court that the man bit her face on one occasion and choked her on another when she feared for her life.
The defendant (38) pleaded guilty to controlling or coercive behaviour on various dates between November 19, 2019, and February 7, 2021.
He also admitted a charge of assault causing harm at an address in mid-Louth on August 2, 2020.
Judge Dara Hayes sentenced him to two years imprisonment, remarking that he effectively robbed the victim of her independence.
Further charges of assault causing harm and making a threat to kill the woman’s mother were taken into consideration.
The defendant, who now resides in West Yorkshire, was supported in court by his wife. The couple got married in December 2024.
Evidence was given that he met his former partner at Drogheda Courthouse when she accompanied a friend who was seeking an order.
They struck up a relationship, and he moved in with her within weeks.
However, the woman’s family had concerns and her mother “did her best” to end the relationship, an ex of the defendant’s having come forward to say that he had abused her.
In January 2020 the woman started a new job as a carer. His behaviour became more controlling if she was not where she was supposed to be within a 10-minute window.
During the Covid lockdown the lady, who had a child from a previous relationship, could still work as a carer. The accused was unable to work which intensified issues.
He would fight and verbally abuse her and then they would make up.
Any indiscretion was punished severely, up to and including violence, said investigating garda Det Stephen Byrne.
The man cut her off from friends and family and belittled her.
In March 2020 he pushed his partner onto a bed before throwing a heavy laundry basket, catching her on the left eye.
She told the father of her child what was going on, and he told her not to go back. He informed Tusla, the Child and Family Agency.
This provoked the accused who made the woman turn off her phone for three days prompting her ex to report her missing.
She ended the relationship and they split for eight to ten weeks before getting back together.
The defendant was drinking and taking cocaine because he had no access to his son.
As he was disqualified from driving she had to take him to work, going on sick leave from her own job to do this.
On August 2, 2020, he bit the woman on the left side of the face and on the shoulder. She went to a neighbour for help.
Nevertheless, he convinced her to get a place together and go to counselling.
Her mother contacted their new landlord, and he didn’t let them stay.
The victim felt that she had no option but to give up access to her son. She would see the boy after dropping the defendant to work.
The court heard that he reversed his car into hers and punched a hole in the kitchen door.
He said he was going to stay over for Christmas 2020. She felt uncomfortable and went to a hotel.
The man tried to tell her that her mother was the problem. He got angry when she mentioned her mother. Her friends and family didn’t like him which led to her isolation.
The defendant would ring her all day long. She felt she was walking on eggshells.
He went to England with the view that she would join him, but she didn’t. The woman felt that he could turn up at any point.
He left abusive messages, saying in February 2021 that her mother would not be living much longer.
This threat to her mother brought things to an end.
Det Gda Byrne said that the accused was interviewed by gardaí on March 20, 2021.
He denied any wrongdoing, claiming that he was being set up. He said that he loved the woman.
The defendant returned to the UK, not aware of any prosecution.
He was subsequently arrested on a European warrant and admitted to bail at Drogheda Court.
He has previous convictions in Ireland for Traffic, Section 3 possession of drugs and breach of a Safety Order offences.
The victim told the court that she lived in constant fear of upsetting the accused.
“Now, my body shakes at the sight of him. I still struggle to feel safe.
“He bit my face, something I live with every day.”
She felt guilty for bringing him into her child’s life.
He caused her financial hardship because he lived rent free.
“Seven years later, I’m still trying to free myself from the trauma, the psychological imprisonment.
“I’m not the same person I was before the abuse.”
Barrister Ronan O’Carroll said that he hoped the lady could accept his client’s apology. He fully accepted responsibility.
A probation report assessed him at “high risk” of spousal violence.
His wife wrote a letter to the judge. She was aware of his history before starting a relationship in 2021. She never felt threatened.
Counsel submitted that at times the injured party witnessed the good side of the defendant.
When he took alcohol and relied on drugs he lost control and all sense of himself during Covid.
Judge Hayes pointed out that the date range of the coercive behaviour began in November 2019, before Covid.
Mr O’Carroll said it “really came to a head” during Covid.
He continued that his cleint works in England as a supplier to the construction industry, employing two people.
He had insight into his behaviour and had not come to adverse attention since. If remaining sober, he wouldn’t trouble the court again.
Judge Hayes said there was no evidence the defendant was drug free since 2021.
A report outlined how he moved to Co. Monaghan before getting work in Drogheda until Covid.
This offending involved intimate partner violence, when a child was in the house for much of the time, the judge continued.
The man had effectively robbed the woman of her independence.
By any measure it was serious offending.
A late plea had been made on a trial date, and the court noted the defendant had made considerable efforts to improve himself.
Two concurrent three-year sentences were imposed, the final 12 months suspended, and backdated to May 31 last.
The defendant must place himself under 12 months’ Probation Service post release, abstain from illicit substances and have no contact with the victim nor her family.