Pearse McAuley sentenced after stabbing ex-wife in front of their son on Christmas Eve

Garda killer Pearse McAuley has been jailed for eight years for beating and stabbing his estranged wife during a two-and-a-half-hour attack last Christmas Eve.

In June, the 50-year-old admitted falsely imprisoning Pauline Tully and assault causing her serious harm at the family home in Cavan.

He also pleaded guilty to the production of a knife, which he used to stab her 13 times, and threatening to kill her brother when he came to her rescue.

McAuley has previously spent time in jail for his part in the killing of Detective Garda Jerry McCabe in 1996.

In 2009, Pearse McAuley was released from prison having served 10 years of a 14-year sentence for the manslaughter of Detective Garda Jerry McCabe who was shot dead after being ambushed while on duty in Adare, Co Limerick in 1996.

Last week, MsTully described how one of their sons has nightmares after witnessing his father stabbing her, and said she would spend the rest of her life in fear.

She sat at the back of the courtroom this afternoon as Judge John Aylmer commended her for delivering her Victim Impact Statement with courage and dignity.