Man head-butted partner on day of daughter's Christening

A Donegal man head-butted his partner on the day of their child’s Christening.

Joseph Gallagher tendered a guilty plea to an unlawful assault at a public house at Meetinghouse Street, Stranorlar on August 15, 2021.

Gallagher appeared at Letterkenny Circuit Court in connection with the incident, which arose when a discussion took place over whether or not he would like more children.

Sergeant Maurice Doyle relayed the facts of the case to Ms Fiona Crawford BL, counsel for the State.

The couple were out celebrating the Christening of their 16-month-old child when a conversation took place between the pair, during which Gallagher accused the woman of ‘bullying’ him into making a decision about whether he would like more children.

Gallagher head-butted the woman, blooding her nose and her dress was destroyed. The victim told gardai how Gallagher also kicked her in the leg and pulled her hair.

She ran back into the pub before friends intervened.

On September 7, 2021, Gallagher, now a 35-year-old with an address at Ardnawark, Barnesmore, was arrested and taken to Letterkenny garda station for questioning.

Gallagher told gardai that ’something happened’, but he did not remember. He said all he recalled was people arguing, the woman’s nose bleeding and a taxi being called to take job away.

Gallagher made no admissions to an assault. He again told gardai that he could remember the bloody nose, but had no recollection of the argument.

The couple were cohabiting in the same house at the time, the court heard.

When the woman’s account was read to Gallagher by gardai, he replied: ‘Disgraceful, but it probably sounds right. I can’t even remember what we were arguing about’.

Ms Crawford told the court that, under Section 40 of the Domestic Violence Act 2018, the relationship between the two would have to be considered as an aggravating factor in the matter.

Mr Damien Crawford BL, barrister for Gallagher, said his client has a long-standing issue with alcohol and spent 16 weeks in a residential treatment centre.

The Probation Service has deemed Gallagher as being a ‘moderate risk’ of reoffending.

“He was severely drunk at the time,” Mr Crawford said. “He himself says that this was a disgraceful act. He has virtually no recollection of his involvement, but he understands that his behaviour was simply unacceptable.

“That he was deeply inebriated is not an excuse. He apologises for his deeply upsetting behaviour.”

Mr Crawford said his client’s apology is ‘sincere and genuine’. A safety order remains in place around the family home and Mr Crawford said Gallagher ‘is content that it remain in place so everyone sees that he is happy to abide by whatever structures to get his life back in order’. Mr Crawford said the couple have been back together for the last ten months.

Mr Crawford said his client has shown deep remorse and shame and said other family members have been ‘outraged and ashamed’ of the incident.

The court was informed that Gallagher has 29 previous convictions, including for theft and public order offences.

The barrister said: “He has taken significant steps to rebuild and not reoffend.”

Mr Crawford asked Judge John Aylmer to consider giving his client ‘a chance’. “He goes in fear of the court,” Mr Crawford said.

Judge Aylmer adjourned the matter until Friday morning for sentencing.