Suspended jail term for man who has ‘turned life around’
The defendant pleaded guilty at Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court.
A man who smeared blood on his face after assaulting his ex-partner has escaped a prison sentence after "turning his life around".
Martin Rice, of Rowan Drive, Castlebar, previously pleaded guilty at Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court to charges of assault and making threats to kill.
The court was told that gardaí were alerted to a disturbance at Greenfields, Pontoon Road, Castlebar, at 9.30am on September 13, 2019. Rice was seen throwing a large TV to the ground and roaring and shouting. His clothes were blood-splattered and he smeared blood on his face. He also spat and threw blood at gardaí.
His former partner Claire Brampton was crying at the scene. She said Rice had ransacked her home, smashing two televisions and a soundbar, and assaulted her. She sustained cuts to her scalp and bruising to her neck, arms and chest. Rice had threatened to kill her and her adult son.
The defendant had to be pepper-sprayed and restrained by officers. While in the Garda van, he removed his trousers and shoes and soiled himself. Rice was taken to Mayo University Hospital to be assessed but refused treatment. He called a nurse an "ugly bitch" and removed his underwear and smeared blood and faeces on the wall of a room in the hospital.
The court heard that Rice had been on an alcohol and Valium binge and had little recollection of the events. He has 56 previous convictions.
The case was adjourned for a probation report and came before Judge Eoin Garavan for finalisation last week.
Diarmuid Connolly BL, representing Rice, said his client is now on good terms with his ex-partner and is expecting a child with his new partner. Probation reports show the "huge strides" that Rice has made and he is "dedicated to his therapy and rehabilitation".
“Having acted appallingly, Mr Rice has turned his life around,” said the barrister.
Judge Eoin Garavan said the crimes were "clearly a serious matter" but noted the steps taken by the accused. He imposed a two-year suspended prison sentence and ordered Rice to carry out 140 hours of community service.
