Louth man jailed for attack on former partner

A 51 year old man who Dundalk Circuit Court was told has changed from being a ‘would-be hard man’ to ‘a servant of God’, has been jailed for 15 months for an attack on a former partner.

Anthony Bracken of Riverwell Close, Toberona Dundalk was convicted by a jury in January of assault causing harm at his home address on November 29th 2018.

Judge Dara Hayes noted the court had previously heard a number of the defendant’s family members had been in touch with the woman asking her to leave his home that day, when she opened the door and was met by a headbutt.

They ended up in a tussle. A cable was placed around her neck and she was grabbed by her ears before she was dragged around by her hair.

Mr. Bracken had a number of previous convictions including manslaughter dating back to 1990 when he was given a three year suspended sentence.

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The victim had previously told the court she struggles to sleep, is hyper vigilant for noises and sounds in her home and claimed she suffered from a severe vitamin D deficiency from hiding indoors, when she didn’t leave her home for six months.

The Defence barrister said his client has detoxed from street tablets and prescribed tablets, and is engaging with the Turas counselling service, and with the Ladywell clinic for his mental health.

The lawyer added that having previously lived ‘on the margins’ Mr Bracken is now a man of faith and sobriety who now volunteers with his church.

One of several testimonials handed into the court was from a man whose father had a cardiac event and the defendant had helped before the paramedics arrived. Another was from a human rights campaigner.

Judge Dara Hayes imposed a two and half year sentence with the final 15 months suspended on the defendant entering a good behaviour bond, placing himself under the supervision of the Probation Service for two years post release and that he engages with the Men Overcoming Violent Emotions programme as directed.