MAN JAILED FOR 'CRUEL' REGIME OF VIOLENCE AGAINST FORMER GIRLFRIEND
A man from North Mayo who inflicted a 'cruel, degrading, and violent regime' on his former girlfriend over the course of a year has received an 18-month prison sentence.Patrick Orme, aged 27, residing in Lisduvogue, Knockmore, Ballina, was sentenced at Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court to two years behind bars, with the final six months suspended, after admitting to three counts of assault causing harm to his ex-girlfriend during their relationship from August 2017 to August 2018.
The court was informed that on one occasion, Mr.
Orme strangled the victim around her neck, threw her against a wall, and punched her multiple times in the ribs.
In October 2017, he struck her in the face, causing bruising; in March 2018, he punched and threw her to the ground, resulting in dizziness and headaches lasting two weeks; and in June 2018, he again strangled her, lifted her off the ground by her throat, and knocked her to the ground, pinning her down until she couldn't breathe.
Additionally, he punched her in the head and stomach, pinched her, and threw her to the ground during separate incidents.
Judge Eoin Garavan was told that the relationship began in 2015 when both parties were teenagers, with the victim noting that Mr.
Orme’s controlling tendencies first appeared in September 2016.
The initial physical attack took place in August 2017.
The victim took photographs of her injuries after each incident and stored them secretly on her phone.
Commenting on the images, the judge remarked they clearly showed bruises, cuts, and bleeding, confirming the assaults' truthfulness.
While acknowledging Mr.
Orme's efforts to address his behavior through therapy and counselling, the court emphasized that the severity of his violence required custodial sentencing.
Judge Garavan stated, 'In many cases, a fully suspended sentence would be appropriate, but given the seriousness here, that is not possible.' He added, 'It is with no pleasure I pass this sentence.
I believe Mr.
Orme regrets his actions; however, such violence toward women cannot be overlooked with a suspended sentence.' The judge also recognized the complexity of domestic abuse, noting that the victim’s decision to keep the photos secret during their relationship underscored the abusive dynamics but also her preparedness for this day.
He praised her bravery in coming forward and hoped her courage would inspire others.
He said, 'Her actions in documenting her injuries helped confirm the assaults, and her bravery is commendable.
Domestic violence often remains hidden within four walls, but speaking out shows its true nature.
It’s never too late to seek justice.' A prior court session revealed the young age at the start of the relationship, with the victim asserting that insecurity grew when Mr.
Orme moved to Sligo for college and she to Dublin.
Defence lawyer Patrick Murphy argued the incidents were triggered by these conflicts.
Mr.
Murphy noted his client now has a new partner in a stable relationship and has the support of his family.
He also mentioned that Mr.
Orme had cooperated with police, pleaded guilty, and completed the MOVE programme—focused on partner violence—and attended 15 counselling sessions.
A probation officer reported that Mr.
Orme is managing his emotions better and showed increased self-awareness, which he deemed beneficial.
Mr.
Murphy highlighted that his client regrets his actions and recognizes the harm caused.
In her victim impact statement, the woman described being told she couldn't leave Mr.
Orme because he claimed no one else would want her.
She admitted she lied to friends and family about bruises and hid them with clothing, fearing blame and ostracism.
Mr.
Murphy asked for leniency, emphasizing Mr.
Orme's employment, stable family life, and the €7,500 compensation offered to the victim as signs of his remorse.
He urged the judge to consider a lighter sentence reflecting his client’s progress, believing Mr.
Orme would not appear before the court again.
The solicitor requested the court to suspend more of the sentence, but Judge Garavan declined, affirming that 18 months was the most lenient he could impose given the gravity of the offences, and would not amend this decision.
