Mayo man jailed over dog attack that left woman with life changing injuries

A Knockmore man has been sentenced to four years in prison at Castlebar Circuit Court for offences including the savage mauling of a woman by his unmuzzled dog. David Barrett, aged 41, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm following an attack on November 20th, 2022, at Mount Falcon estate. The victim sustained life-changing injuries including severe lacerations and puncture wounds requiring emergency surgery and ongoing treatment. Judge Eoin Garavan noted the dog had been wandering loose and described Barrett's casual attitude toward the danger posed to the public. Barrett also pleaded guilty to assaulting two female gardaí who attended his home in July 2024 whilst responding to a domestic disturbance report. The court heard he was heavily intoxicated and attacked both officers with violence. The global sentence comprised two years for the dog attack and three years for assaulting the gardaí, with the final year suspended. Barrett was ordered to engage in mental health services, substance addiction treatment, and probation supervision upon release.