No jail over ‘demented’ assault on ex

An 18-month suspended prison sentence was imposed yesterday on a man for a “demented” assault on his ex-partner which put her in fear for her life.

Niall O’Callaghan, previously 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 also.

He brought €5,000 compensation to court for the victim yesterday and it was confirmed that he had moved out of the area and had not come to the attention of gardaí since.

Judge Seán Ó Donnabháin said that 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, who is in his 40s, had been remanded in custody for a few days following his conviction and the judge released him on bail last year for sentencing yesterday.

Defence barrister Patrick O’Riordan said O’Callaghan had some mental health difficulties at the time.

The victim previously indicated through Garda Denise Prendergast that while she was not interested in compensation for herself she would take it for the benefit of her son as they had moved house and she was at a considerable financial disadvantage after having to leave the area to get away from O’Callaghan.

Garda Prendergast said the sudden assault commenced with O’Callaghan grabbing Ms Fuller by the hair and pulling her along the ground. He pushed her face into the stony ground beside the house. During the assault he licked her left breast.

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

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

Mr O’Riordan BL said the defendant attended anger management since it happened and also took steps to deal with his alcohol problem.

Imposing the suspended jail sentence yesterday, Judge Ó Donnabháin said the defendant had shown some insight and remorse into what he had done.