Mother-of-three jailed for unprovoked attack on couple in Dundalk

A young mum-of-three who was involved in an unprovoked attack on a couple after they left a licensed premises, was jailed for 12 months at Dundalk Circuit Court last week.

Aoibheann Quilton (24) of Oakland Park, Dundalk pleaded guilty to assault causing harm arising out of the incident on Park Street, Dundalk on September 14th 2021.

The court had previously heard how the man and woman had left the pub where they had been socialising, when they were attacked after the woman was asked for a cigarette.

Aoibheann Quilton approached and began shouting at the woman, before slapping her in the face.

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The woman’s partner stood between them to stop the assault, but both injured parties ended up on the ground – with Ms Quilton hitting the woman on the head and her co-defendant kicking the man, who was knocked unconscious.

Judge Dara Hayes said no clear reason transpired and there was no clear explanation given by the defendants.

Ms Quilton, who had two previous convictions, for public order offences in June 2023, had failed to attend five interviews with the Probation Service and was given a further opportunity to engage, before the case was finalised.

Last Monday Judge Hayes said the defendant had demonstrated remorse and her culpability was a little bit lower than her co-accused who had kicked one of the victims while he was on the ground.

He imposed a two year sentence with the final 12 months suspended on the defendant entering a good behaviour bond and placing herself under the supervision of the Probation Service for 12 months post-release.

The conditions of the suspended sentence included that Aoibheann Quilton engages with addiction services and offence-focused work.