Jail for man who pulled wire around wife's neck

A man who pulled a computer wire around his former wife’s neck as she pleaded with him not to kill her has been given an three-and-a-half year sentence by Judge Frank O’Donnell at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

David Keegan (aged 45) of Corbally Park, Westbrook Glen, Tallaght, pleaded guilty to assaulting Suzanne Keegan causing her harm on October 8, 2007 at his then home in Clondalkin. The couple are now separated.

Judge O’Donnell said this was a “domestic dispute which had resulted in an unjustified, savage and brutal attack.

"All too often we hear of attacks by husbands or partners which result in serious injury or even death.”

He described the assault during which Ms Keegan had begged for her life as her husband pulled a computer wire around her neck as “a dreadful thing”.

Judge O’Donnell noted that the victim impact statement handed into court by prosecuting counsel, Ms Marie Torrens BL, had outlined the traumatic effect the attack has had on Ms Keegan.

He noted that Keegan had expressed remorse for the assault and that testimonials had been handed into court on his behalf by family and friends.

He said a probation report had stated he had a “lack of insight” into his domestic violence and it was difficult to say if his remorse was genuine.

Judge O’Donnell imposed a three-and-a-half-year sentence but suspended the final year on strict conditions.

He ordered Keegan to enter into a five-year good-behaviour bond and not to contact or approach his former wife except through a third party during that time. He also ordered two years post release supervision by The Probation Service.

He earlier heard that Keegan had been attending regularly at The Probation Service and at anger management courses. He had a good work history and was in a position of trust in his workplace.