Idyllic weekend in Achill turned to violent nightmare for woman

An idyllic weekend in Achill turned into a violent nightmare for the victim of a vicious assault.

Peter Kelly, aged 34, of Willow Park, Finglas, Dublin 11, kicked, choked, and spat on his ex-partner during an assault while holidaying in Mayo. The accused pleaded guilty at Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court to assault causing harm.

Gda Keith Deane told the court that on May 7, 2017, Kelly and his then partner had been socialising in the Valley House Hostel at The Valley, Achill Island. They left the premises between 1am and 2am and got into an argument in the car park. Kelly kicked her bag before they got into a car.

The victim said she was viciously assaulted for what seemed like hours and by the time the ordeal stopped "the sun was rising". The assault occurred on roads that were not known to the victim. She alleged that Kelly poured water over head, spat on her, kicked her, choked her, threw her over a fence, and dragged her along the ground. She suffered a fractured big toe, multiple abrasions, and bruising.

A victim impact statement was read into the court in which the victim detailed how the attack left her "completely broken" and she tried to take her own life following the assault.

Kelly has 37 previous convictions. He lives with his parents and works as a driver. The accused paid €10,000 to his ex-partner.

The case was adjourned for a probation report with Kelly appearing in court again last week. The court heard Kelly was taking steps to address problems with alcohol, drugs, and anger.

Judge Eoin Garavan said he believed "drink and possibly drugs" had been a factor in the attack.

“His anger was uncontrollable," the judge remarked. "What should have been an idyllic weekend in Achill turned into a violent memory for his victim."

Imposing a two-year suspended jail term, Judge Garavan noted Kelly’s efforts to overcome his issues and said he believed he had "learned a lesson".