Jail term handed down after ex stabbed outside home with screwdriver

A small screwdriver was used by a 50-year-old man to stab his ex-partner in the left arm when he called to her home and now he has been given a jail term of 13 months with the last five months suspended.

Judge Philip O’Leary said at Cork District Court that the stabbing of the woman with a screwdriver was a serious matter.

The case was before an in camera hearing of the court as the parties cannot be identified because they relate to a breach of a safety order under the Domestic Violence Act as well as a charge of assault causing harm.

Judge O’Leary imposed a sentence of eight months on the assault causing harm charge and a consecutive five months for use of the weapon. The five-month portion of the sentence was suspended.

On Wednesday April 8 at 10.20am, gardaí received a report of a domestic incident and they attended and met with the complainant.

She said that her ex-partner presented at her address demanding his bank card. She stated that she left her home to speak with him outside.

She said that he produced a small screwdriver with a black handle and proceeded to stab her in her left arm. She sustained a cut to her arm but did not require medical attention.

Stephen Cotter solicitor said the defendant was pleading guilty to the charges, apologised for his behaviour and had spent a significant period remanded in custody on the charges, as he was refused bail.