MAN JAILED FOR ATTACKING GIRLFRIEND AFTER SHE REFUSED TO HELP HIM PICK UP DRUGS
A 26-year-old man has been sentenced to three years in prison after attacking his girlfriend when she refused to drive him to obtain drugs.Harry Turner also caused disruptions for police officers when they responded to the scene following a call from his mother.
During the incident, Turner set off fireworks at the gardaí from inside the house, leading officers to request additional assistance.
Turner, residing at Grove Road, Clonsilla, Dublin 15, pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to charges including assault causing harm, possession of a knife, and discharging fireworks on October 10th, 2020.
Prosecutor Emmet Nolan BL explained to Judge Martin Nolan that the case should be considered under the Domestic Violence Act 2018 because the complainant and Turner were involved in a relationship at the time, and Turner was living with the woman.
Despite her previous request for him to leave due to his substance problems, he was present at her home that night.
The conflict erupted after a night of drinking, with the woman deciding to go to bed and Turner insisting on acquiring a bag of cocaine.
He repeatedly demanded her phone, eventually using it to arrange a drug deal.
When she refused to drive him or give him money, Turner became aggressive.
She contacted a friend of Turner's, expressing concern about his behaviour, who then said he would alert Turner's mother.
Turner then retrieved a knife from the kitchen, threatening to harm his friend, and also threatened to destroy her phone and iPad when she refused to disclose their passcodes.
He locked her outside the house and refused her entry, prompting her to seek help from his mother and friend.
Turner caught her and dragged her back by her hair, despite her screams for assistance.
He continued assaulting her, banging her head against her car and pinning her down, demanding she drive him to fetch the drugs.
He entered the house with her, again pulling her by the hair and pushing her.
As she attempted to escape through the front door, he grabbed her and threw her against the stairs.
His mother arrived, knocking on the door and windows, but Turner refused to release her.
She then contacted the Gardaí.
When police arrived, Turner caused trouble, throwing fireworks at them, before eventually surrendering himself peacefully.
The court was told there was no victim impact statement submitted.
Turner was too intoxicated to be questioned when detained and was considered unfit for six hours.
Defense lawyer John Moher BL stated that the production of the knife was related to threatening Turner's friend, not used during the assault.
Judge Nolan summarized that Turner's pursuit of drugs led to violence when the woman refused to cooperate, describing the conduct as a series of violent and troubling incidents.
He acknowledged Turner's remorse and guilty plea, but remarked that it must have been a terrifying experience for the woman, resulting in a three-year prison sentence.
