10-06-2025
Louth mother who smashed glass over man's head sent to prison
Danielle Dullaghan, Simon Community, Barrack Street, Dundalk, has been in custody since April 8 last when her bail was revoked.
She committed the robbery while on bail and for that offence received 21 months consecutive to two years for assaulting a male causing him harm, a total of 3 years and nine months.
Judge Dara Hayes conditionally suspended the final 18 months and backdated the sentences to when the defendant went into custody.
Evidence was heard previously that on April 3, 2022, a man had been out socialising. After 1am he went to Golden Chopsticks, Park Street and ordered food.
Ms Dullaghan and another female came in while he was waiting. The man made a comment about the clothes one of them was wearing which was well received.
However, the defendant than lunged at him and broke a glass over his head. He was pumping blood. An employee of the takeaway saw her strike the victim with the glass a number of times.
The man was terrified. He sustained injuries to his forehead and scalp.
Gardaí stopped Ms Dullaghan outside The Rum House further along Park Street. There was blood on her companion's jacket.
She was arrested and made admissions. A knife was found on her. She was charged two days later.
There was no Victim Impact Statement from the man who was left with 'minor residual scarring'.
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Ms Dullaghan had no previous convictions at the time but has since picked up convictions for public order and theft.
Regarding the robbery, Dundalk Circuit Court heard that on June 1, 2024, a man was cycling home from work when two men and two women passed him on Avenue Road. One of the males pulled him off his bicycle.
Money was demanded from him. The defendant was one of the two females who went through his bag. They took a small amount of money and a bank card which they used to make small purchases.
It was accepted by Gardaí that a male co-accused was the main antagonist.
As in the previous incident she was intoxicated at the time.
Probation reports outlined that Danielle Dullaghan had been homeless after being asked to leave emergency accommodation.
She had a chaotic upbringing and drank alcohol to cope with her father's death. She used cannabis as a teenager and for a short period took heroin and 'Crack'.
The defendant was assessed at high risk of reoffending. She wanted to deal with issues and reengage with her children.
In custody she was on methadone. She was attending school and working in the prison laundry.
Judge Hayes said that the assault was unprovoked. A man had a glass smashed on his head.
Ms Dullaghan acted in a group during the robbery which occurred while she was on bail. That was an aggravating factor.
Sentences were imposed as outlined with other charges taken into consideration.
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