Suspended sentence for man who kicked, punched and threatened to kill woman at wedding in the Midlands

A man who kicked, punched and threatened to kill a woman at a wedding in Portlaoise has been given a suspended prison sentence.

Eoin Guiry, 33, of Kiltanna, Knockaderry, Newcastlewest, Limerick attacked his partner at the Midlands Park Hotel in Portlaoise on October 15, 2021.

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby told the court the lady was very upset following the attack.

“He lashed out and he kicked and punched her,” said Sgt Kirby. “He said, I am going to kill you, you c**t,” Sgt Kirby told the court.

Solicitor Barry Fitzgerald said the man owns a construction business and was “embarrassed” at what had happened. He said the man is in a relationship with the woman and they have children together.

He said the man has since undertaken anger management and engaged in psychotherapy. He acknowledged that such an incident would leave an emotional scar.

Mr Fitzgerald said there was alcohol involved on the day in question. He said his client began counselling soon after the incident and had written a letter of apology to the injured party.

“My client effectively does provide finance for the household,” he said.

He acknowledged that there was “no excusing” the “unprovoked attack of a male on a female” and said the couple has couple counselling.

Judge Andrew Cody described the “unprovoked assault” as “a very, very serious breach of trust” but he noted the defendant’s engagement in counselling.

Judge Cody sentenced the man to three months suspended for three years on condition €1,000 was donated to the Laois Domestic Violence Service.