‘Demented’ assault on former partner

A "demented" assault by a man on his ex-partner saw her fear for her life.

The attack only stopped after a relative arrived on the scene.

Niall O’Callaghan of Chapel St, Castletownroche, Co Cork, pleaded guilty to a charge of assault causing harm to Lorna Fuller at her home at Kilquane, Castletownroche on July 8, 2013.

He denied a sexual assault during the attack but a jury found him guilty of that.

The victim had no objection to full publication of the facts of the case, including her own identity.

Judge Seán Ó Donnabháin said the sexual element of the assault was present. However, he said it was primarily a violent physical assault of a prolonged and demented nature.

O’Callaghan was released on bail ahead of sentencing on February 25.

Barrister Patrick O’Riordan, defending, said his client wanted to gather €5,000 for the victim.

Ms Fuller indicated through Garda Denise Prendergast that she would take it for the benefit of her son as she was at a financial disadvantage after having to leave the area to get away from O’Callaghan.

Garda Prendergast said the sudden assault began with O’Callaghan grabbing Ms Fuller by the hair and pulling her on the ground. He slapped her face with his hands. He pushed her face into the stony ground beside the house. During the assault he licked her breast.

She ran away. As she tried to get over a fence he said: “I will break your fucking neck. I will twist your fucking head off.”

He grabbed her again and dragged her along the driveway. It was only when a relative arrived in his car that O’Callaghan stopped and the victim managed to get away from her attacker.

The judge said he was giving no guarantee on what kind of sentence he would impose in February.