COLVIN KEOGH SHOCKS CARLOW AND WATERFORD WITH BRUTAL ATTACK ON YOUNG WOMAN

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Carlow and Waterford, Colvin Keogh, a man with ties to both locations, has been convicted of a violent and heinous assault on a young woman. The incident, which took place in Carlow town, specifically on Centaur Street, has left a lasting scar on the victim and has raised serious concerns about public safety and the prevalence of random violence.

Keogh, who was at the time residing in Carlow at 74 The Paddocks, was sentenced to seven years in prison after pleading guilty to charges related to the assault. The attack occurred on December 2, 2012, but the case only reached its conclusion in recent court proceedings. The victim, Marta Kowalczyk, a 27-year-old beautician, was walking through Carlow town center when she was targeted by Keogh, who did not know her personally. Witnesses and CCTV footage revealed that Keogh, dressed in a hooded garment, had been following her through the streets before launching his brutal assault outside an apartment block on Centaur Street.

Judge Raymond Fullam described the attack as “shocking and horrific in its viciousness,” emphasizing the severity of the violence inflicted upon Ms. Kowalczyk. During the court hearing, it was detailed that Keogh had repeatedly kicked and punched the young woman, then proceeded to pull down her tracksuit bottoms and underwear. His intent was reportedly sexual, but he admitted that he was unable to carry out any sexual act. In his own words, Keogh told Gardaí that he “just wanted to kick her and hurt her,” and that “something came over me,” adding that “when I snapped, I couldn’t stop.”

The assault left Ms. Kowalczyk with serious injuries, including the loss of sight in her right eye. She bravely read her victim impact statement in court, describing her emotional and physical trauma. “I feel like a part of me has died,” she said. “There are moments of panic so intense that it feels like I can’t even breathe. There’s nowhere I feel safe.” She also expressed her gratitude to the taxi driver who intervened and saved her life during the attack.

Following the sentencing, Bernard Jennings, the father of Ms. Kowalczyk’s fiancé Gerald Jennings, expressed relief that Keogh received a seven-year sentence. Jennings stated that the family was “very relieved” and hoped that Marta and Gerald could now begin to move forward with their lives. The case has also shocked legal professionals and members of the justice system, especially after viewing CCTV footage that vividly captured the assault. The footage showed Keogh, hooded and aggressive, chasing the victim, grabbing her, and repeatedly assaulting her with punches and kicks. The footage also revealed him removing her clothing and delivering a final kick to her head while she was on the ground.

As Keogh begins his prison term, the case continues to resonate within the communities of Carlow and Waterford, highlighting the importance of vigilance and the ongoing fight against violent crime. The incident remains a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of such attacks and the resilience of victims who face such trauma with courage and strength.