Man stabbed and hit with brush in Limerick incident
A MAN was stabbed and hit with a sweeping brush by his former partner while he was grappling with her current boyfriend who had a knife, Limerick Circuit Court heard.
Ian Carr, aged 33, of Ballyanty Road, Ballynanty, Limerick city pleaded guilty to assault and possession of a Swiss army knife.
Prosecuting barrister John O’Sullivan, instructed by State Solicitor Padraig Mawe, outlined the case with the assistance of Garda Denis O’Leary.
Mr O’Sullivan said Mr Carr and his partner were invited by a third party to go to the victim’s house on Windmill Street on the evening of May 28, 2020. The victim, aged in his late 40s, was “agreeable” to them coming.
“Drink was consumed by all parties. When the victim woke up the following morning there was a disagreement and he cleared them out.
“That afternoon the accused and his partner went back to the house to confront him. Mr Carr had a Swiss army knife,” said Mr O’Sullivan, who added that the victim and the partner of Mr Carr had been in a relationship in the past.
“They forced their way into the house. Mr Carr advanced towards the victim brandishing his knife. They became entangled with each other. It continued out onto the street. The woman hit the victim with a sweeping brush and threw knives and forks at him,” said Mr O’Sullivan.
The court heard she then stabbed the victim in his right thigh causing a “deep and serious wound”.
Garda O’Leary said Mr Carr and his partner were in an “adjoining street” and arrested. The investigating officer also spoke of the importance of CCTV and mobile phone footage in the case.
The injured party’s victim statement was read out by Mr O’Sullivan, “My leg is not too bad now. I’m glad this is behind us and people can now get on with their lives”.
During garda questioning, Mr Carr said he didn’t remember the incident due to “drink and a cocktail of drugs”. He has a number of previous convictions including for possession of an article, drugs and burglary.
Jack Nicholas, barrister for Mr Carr, asked Garda O’Leary if his client was deemed unfit for questioning when arrested? “Yes,” said Garda O’Leary.
The barrister also asked if Mr Carr was “easily led”? “Somewhat agree,” said Garda O’Leary.
Mr Nicholas said Mr Carr “got a bit of a hiding” from the victim and “came off worse”. The garda agreed.
In mitigation, Mr Nicholas said it has caused Mr Carr “considerable anxiety and stress”.
“He suffered from substance abuse and misabuse - cocaine and tablets. He attended for treatment. He has avoided his primary addiction of cocaine and tablets.
“Since September 2021 he has consumed no alcohol. Cannabis remains a factor in his life. The primary issues of alcohol and more serious drugs have been addressed.
“He works for a waste management company and resides with his parents. He is on a housing list. He has mental health difficulties. He will do everything in his power not to come before this court again,” said Mr Nicholas, who referred to Mr Carr pleading guilty to his role in the incident compared to his partner who was listed for trial.
Judge Tom O’Donnell said he recalled the case, describing it as “serious” and Mr Carr’s partner as the “more active participant”.
“The accused was armed with a knife. The victim did everything in his power to disharm him. The injury was caused by her. His previous convictions are not helpful,” said Judge O’Donnell.
The judge said the mitigating factors were that Mr Carr was forthcoming, pleaded guilty and had serious addiction issues at the time.
Judge O’Donnell said Mr Carr should be “commended” for the steps he has taken and is remorseful for his actions.
“He doesn’t remember an awful lot of it due to his intoxication but that is his own fault. He got himself into this difficulty,” said Judge O’Donnell.
A two and a half year prison sentence was imposed on Mr Carr with the last 12 months suspended.