Man (54) attacked ex-partner in ‘brutal assault’ after five-day binge, court hears

A man living in Bray, Co Wicklow subjected his then partner to a “brutal” assault at a house in Bray after he had been drinking for five days, a court has been told.

Dainius Sakevicius (54) pleaded guilty to one count of assault causing harm on December 26, 2022. He has no previous convictions and has not come to recent garda attention.

Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard on Monday that Sakevicius had been drinking for five days before the incident. On the night in question, his former partner went to bed at around 10.10pm, and Sakevicius entered the room around 30 minutes later looking for a speaker.

He punched the victim multiple times including her forehead, right eye, nose and mouth. The victim suffered bruising and swelling to her face, a loose tooth and soreness in her arms. She went to St Vincent’s Hospital and was later referred to St James’s Hospital.

Photos of the injuries were handed to the court along with a medical report.

Gardai called to the address and found Sakevicius, of Wilford Court, Corke Abbey, Bray, Co. Wicklow intoxicated. He was deemed unfit for interview and was later charged.

The court heard the woman later made a statement of withdrawal and declined to make a victim impact statement. The couple were in a long-term relationship and living together at the time.

The investigating garda agreed with Eamonn O’Moore BL, defending, that his client could not be interviewed due to his level of intoxication but was polite and courteous in all interactions with gardai.

It was further accepted that Sakevicius and his ex-partner are on good terms with the gardai noting that the accused has been covering her medical costs.

Mr O’Moore said his client moved to Ireland from Lithuania 18 years ago and has a long work history. A number of letters were handed into the court including a letter of apology from Sakevicius and a letter from his former partner.

Defence counsel said his client has paid over €4,000 to cover the victim’s medical costs. Mr O’Moore said his client does not normally drink, but accepts what he did was wrong and that there are underlying issues that must be addressed.

Judge Orla Crowe said the court has serious concerns that a man, with no previous convictions, had been drinking and subjected his partner to a “brutal” assault in a room that he had entered to look for a speaker.

Adjourning the case to April 14 for finalisation, Judge Crowe directed a probation report to be compiled for the next date.

Get ahead of the day with the morning headlines at 7.30am and Fionnán Sheahan’s exclusive take on the day’s news every afternoon, with our free daily newsletter.