MAN JAILED FOR FIVE YEARS FOR STRING OF OFFENCES INCLUDING ASSAULTING GIRLFRIENDS AND COERCIVE CONTROL
A man aged 24 from Dublin has been sentenced to five years in prison for assaulting two former girlfriends, exerting coercive control over one, and threatening a taxi driver which involved hijacking the vehicle.The Gardaí described how armed units and a helicopter were needed to arrest David McNamara at his Tallaght address on Kiltalown Road after two failed attempts to apprehend him.
At Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, the court heard that McNamara, who admits to several charges, was involved in a violent incident in September 2019 where he assaulted his then 16-year-old girlfriend while on his way to court.
He also pleaded guilty to violence and coercive control against another girlfriend between July 17 and 19, 2023, as well as to hijacking a taxi and threatening the driver in July 2023, and possessing drugs with intent to sell at Finglas Garda Station in September 2023.
Garda Shane Gallagher explained that McNamara attacked his teenage partner in 2019 when she asked to be dropped off at the Luas.
Instead, he stopped in Phoenix Park, refused to let her leave, and assaulted her by choking, kicking, and using a broken gear stick.
She escaped and flagged down a truck driver who took her to safety.
Her mother later reported the injuries with photographic evidence.
Despite initially denying the allegations and being granted bail, McNamara was re-arrested after missing a court appearance and eventually pleaded guilty.
Four years later, he assaulted his new partner at their residence, causing her significant bruising and trying to control her.
The following day, McNamara hijacked a taxi after ordering it from Finglas to Tallaght.
The driver, fearing harm, managed to escape while McNamara took control of the vehicle and sped away.
The taxi was later recovered damaged near McNamara’s home.
Police struggled to apprehend him, making three attempts and using specialist units and a helicopter to finally locate and arrest him.
During the arrest, officers found drugs valued at over €600 and cash in his possession, which he claimed was for a friend.
McNamara, who used derogatory language about his partner and downplayed his violence, was uncooperative during arrest.
His attempts to withdraw his statement were thwarted by Gardaí organizing his court attendance.
He had prior convictions related to drugs and assault.
The judge noted the severity of his violence and the impact on victims, emphasizing that the court found his actions particularly troubling.
Sentencing him to five years, the judge ordered the sentence to start immediately, reflecting the serious nature of his crimes.
