Man with 65 previous convictions jumped on his partner and tried to strangle her
A Donegal man who attempted to strangle his partner during an assault has had his case adjourned for sentencing.
The man who cannot be named due to legal reasons and to protect the identity of the victim appeared at Letterkenny Circuit Court before Judge Roderick Maguire.
The man, who has 65 previous convictions, previously pleaded guilty to one count of assault causing harm.
The charge is contrary to Section three of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997.
Sergeant Maurice Doyle and State Prosecutor Fiona Crawford, BL, outlined the details of the incident to the court.
On October 26, 2024, the injured party had been out along with her partner and her father.
Later, the man shouted at the injured party and called her names.
He then grabbed the back of her head, threw her on the bed and as she fell, she pulled on the curtains which fell on top of her.
The defendant then jumped on top of her, put his hands on her throat.
He then put the curtain over her face and the injured party told gardaí that she could not breathe.
The defendant then began to punch her face and as she moved towards a window, he kicked her in the back and stood on her legs.
The injured party said she tried to run out, but he trailed her back by her hair and would not let her leave.
He then proceeded to punch her in the stomach and ribs.
The injured party explained that later, the defendant went into the kitchen and she attempted to run out of the house but he trailed her across the garden by her hair and was shouting abuse at her.
Gardaí were called and the injured party was taken to the Emergency Department at Letterkenny University Hospital.
The court heard the woman refused to stay in hospital and a physical examination was not carried out.
The court heard the man, who is in his 30s, has been in custody for most of the time since he was arrested for the incident and the injured party had not supplied a victim impact statement.
The injured party was not in court for the hearing and Sergeant Maurice Doyle said 'it was difficult to get in contact with her.'
The court heard the man has 65 previous convictions.
Sergeant Doyle said the accused man was complainant with gardaí.
Defence barrister, Damien Crawford BL, said the defendant had been drinking with the complainant and her father at the time of the incident.
The court heard the man had previously been granted bail but it was revoked after he was spotted close to where the injured party resided.
The court heard the pair have reconciled since the incident and the defendant was anxious to make amends.
Mr Crawford said the results of the incident have been 'catastrophic' for his client.
Mr Crawford said prior to the incident, the defendant had been in employment, taught himself to write and had experienced a difficult life from a young age.
Mr Crawford said his client has little or no memory of the night in question and he remains puzzled as to why he was as intoxicated as he was.
The court heard the defendant is hugely remorseful and he is anxious to make amends.
Mr Crawford said the defendant pleaded guilty at the first opportunity and is eager to turn his life around and return to work.
The man submitted a letter to the court, while he also took to the witness box and said he was very sorry for all that happened.
Mr Crawford said his client is suitable for community service and has spent a solid eight months in custody arising from these matters.
Mr Crawford said he is keen to get his life back together.
Judge Roderick Maguire said he would not finalise the matter at the hearing and the case adjourned for sentencing until Wednesday, July 23.
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He said he had his hand on the complainant's back and he felt him shift his weight, and Mr Murphy successfully performed a 'leg sweep'. The side of the complainant's body and head made contact with the ground. Mr Murphy checked him visually and said that at no stage was he unconscious. He again requested prisoner transport and that a doctor be called to Pearse Street Garda Station. The trial continues before Judge Pauline Codd.
