Transgender woman jailed for making threats against her mother at special care centre in Limerick

A TRANSGENDER woman who threatened to "kill and torture" her mother has been sentenced to five and a half years imprisonment with the last 12 months suspended.

Barbie Kardashian, aged 21, of no fixed abode but who is originally from the Trim area of County Meath, legally changed her name and gender over two years ago.

She was found guilty of seven counts of threatening to kill or cause serious harm to her mother following a trial in Limerick Circuit Court in May of 2022.

At a sentencing hearing this Thursday, Judge Tom O'Donnell said it was one of the most complex cases he has had to deal with during his time on the bench. He noted it had taken until now for sentencing (to take place) as he had requested a number of probation reports and other reports to try and assist him.

Judge O'Donnell said as it was such a complex case in every respect that it was appropriate to give some background.

He spoke of Ms Kardashian's Venezuelan parents moving to Ireland, their separation and Ms Kardashian being taken into (State) care.

The judge said Ms Kardashian is now recognised by the Irish State as a female and is on a waiting list for assessment for "appropriate medical treatment".

Judge O'Donnell noted the threats were made by Ms Kardashian while she was (detained) at Coovagh House, Limerick (a special care unit for high risk vulnerable young persons) on dates in 2020.

"The threats were made in the presence of staff and not directly to her mother," said the judge, who described the threats as "vile".

"Staff members were very alarmed at their nature and contacted gardai which led to the charges . She has been in custody since," said Judge O'Donnell.

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Earlier in the court sitting, Detective Garda Niall Fitzgerald said Ms Kardashian poses a "significant threat" to those she has made threats against and members of the public. He described the threats as "venomous".

"The accused has displayed what I would describe as high motivation to carry out such threats," said Detective Garda Fitzgerald.

The detective garda outlined to the court that Ms Kardashian has a number of previous convictions including three for assault causing harm, two for simple assault, six for criminal damage and one for sexual assault.

Judge O'Donnell said probation reports made for "chilling and disturbing reading" and he commented that Ms Kardashian, who was wearing a pink T-shirt and grey tracksuit bottoms in court, is "unrepentant".

He noted that and five separate psychiatric reports say there is a "real danger of her carrying out her fantasies".

The judge spoke of Ms Kardashian's numerous personality disorders which include "narcissism".

He said: "She wants to be the centre of attention and admitted pleading not guilty to generate as much publicity for herself.

Delivering his judgment, the judge stated the aggravating factors in the case included the nature and gravity of the threats. "She stated several times regarding killing and torturing her mother. The culpability is high. There is a complete lack of remorse. Her previous convictions all involve violence."

The judge said the mitigating factors were an "extremely complex background".

The court heard that Ms Kardashian's parents were from Venezuela and had moved to Ireland. They separated and Ms Kardashian was taken in the care of the State as a 12-year-old.

Mark Nicholas SC, who represented Ms Kardashian, said his client alleges there was "physical and sexual abuse" while she was in the care of her parents.

Judge O'Donnell said it was incumbent on the State and the medical service to get involved and come to a long-term solution when Ms Kardashian is released.

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Judge O'Donnell imposed a five and a half year jail sentence on Ms Kardashian on each of the seven charges of threatening to kill or cause serious harm to her mother. They are to be served concurrently.

He suspended the last 12 months on condition that Ms Kardashian is of good behaviour and engages with the Probation Service for two years post-release.

The conditions include not communicating with or attempting to communicate with her mother. Judge O'Donnell back-dated the sentence to May 2022 - the month she was convicted following a trial.

Judge O'Donnell ordered the Irish Prison Service to notify the Probation Service six months prior to Ms Kardashian's release date.