MAN JAILED AFTER VICIOUS ASSAULT ON PARTNER WHILE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF DRUGS
A father-of-three who launched a brutal and sustained attack on his partner has been sentenced to two years in prison.Gareth McCarton, 29, from Suncroft Drive, Tallaght, dragged Shannon Mahon from bed, threatened to kill her, and subjected her to repeated assaults—punching, biting, and choking her—before Gardaí intervened.
He later admitted to a charge of assault causing harm at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
The offence occurred at his residence on 13 April 2020.
McCarton, who has five previous convictions, including possession of a realistic firearm and traffic offences, was found in a heated altercation with Ms Mahon when Garda Antonia Boyle arrived at the property at around 6:15am.
Garda John Doran told the court that McCarton had been shouting that he didn’t care Gardaí were present and told them to “wait and see what happens.” Gardaí initially left after no complaint was made, but returned roughly 30 minutes later following reports of screaming.
Ms Mahon, who had visible blood and bruising on her face, called for help from an upstairs window.
She reported that she had earlier been sitting in the attic with McCarton and another man.
While McCarton was away, the man made a comment about running away with her to Las Vegas, which she jokingly agreed to.
McCarton allegedly became enraged upon hearing this.
Ms Mahon stated that McCarton pulled her out of bed, threatened to kill her, and accused her of saying she’d run off to Las Vegas with the other man.
He allegedly hit her repeatedly across the body, bit her arms and back, and choked her.
Gardaí found McCarton descending the stairs and arrested him.
He was reportedly shirtless and had a “large amount of blood” on his hands, knuckles, and torso.
Medical professionals diagnosed Ms Mahon with a fractured nasal bone.
Gardaí also observed heavy facial bruising, bite marks, and other injuries to her body.
Defence barrister Kieran Kelly BL stated that his client had taken crack cocaine for the first time prior to the incident and had been deemed fit for interview by medical staff.
He noted that McCarton’s bail had been revoked after he failed to stay away from Ms Mahon.
The court heard that McCarton had been residing at the time with Ms Mahon and their three children.
In a letter read in court, he expressed remorse, saying the incident was “totally out of my character” and that his time in custody had “scared” him.
Judge Melanie Greally described the assault as “undoubtedly a very violent and sustained episode of violence,” noting it had been “brewing” from the early stages of the relationship.
She stated that the attack represented “an extreme breach of trust” and had left the mother of McCarton’s children “struggling.” Judge Greally acknowledged McCarton’s drug issues and his desire to reconnect with his family, but ultimately sentenced him to two years in prison.
