Courts / Dublin / Report

Man who attacked partner and tried to suffocate her with underwear is committed to CMH

Date
2018-05-09

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

Tomas Gajowniczek, 37, of Dublin 8, was found not guilty by reason of insanity for the attempted murder and serious harm of his former partner Alicja Kalinowska, 30, on 16 June 2016. The jury heard that he repeatedly punched her, stuffed underwear in her mouth, held her nose, beat her with a hammer and gouged her eyes. He also forced her to drink a bottle's contents. Kalinowska said she passed out and awoke when a neighbour knocked. Dr Paul O'Connell, a consultant psychiatrist, interviewed Gajowniczek on 3 May and noted his long‑standing headaches, limb pains, and delusional beliefs that Kalinowska was poisoning him and that the assault was being discussed on the radio. He described Gajowniczek as having persecutory beliefs and paranoid schizophrenia with a delusional disorder. Under Section 5 of the Criminal Law Insanity Act, Justice McCarthy committed Gajowniczek to the Central Mental Hospital for ongoing treatment, with review and possible release under Section 13.