Man attacked former partner with an iron bar in her Louth home

A 52-year-old man who attacked his former partner with an iron bar after calling to drop off dog food at her home in County Louth, has been jailed for two and a half years at Dundalk Circuit Court.

Judge Dara Hayes was told last Wednesday that a safety order was in place at the time.

The defendant, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was before the court having pleaded guilty to assault causing harm arising out of the incident on July 6th 2024.

He had called by arrangement to deliver dog food and she woke on the sofa to find him drunk beside her.

The defendant threw food at her and started to hit her with a steel bar, before she ran to a neighbour's house.

Gardai had carried out a search for him, and he was found intoxicated in an upstairs bedroom of the woman's home.

The victim was treated for cuts and bruising to her forehead and a lump to her left temple.

The defendant, who had 32 previous convictions including possession of a firearm and assault causing harm, had apologised and expressed his remorse.

The court heard the victim, who had been in a relationship with him for about 30 years, has been attending counselling and is getting her confidence back.

The defendant,who had lost his mother in violent circumstances, was assessed by the Probation Service as being at high risk of reoffending because of his continued use of alcohol and pro criminal attitude.

Judge Dara Hayes imposed a sentence of three years and nine months with the final 15 months suspended on him entering a good behaviour bond, placing himself under the supervision of the Probation Service for two years post release.

He was also directed to engage with addiction counselling and treatment as directed and if suitable to engage with a course on intimate partner violence and victim focused work.