Courts / Dublin / Report
Man who attacked ex avoids reincarceration despite violating release terms
Summary
David Weafer, 34, who had received a partially suspended three‑year sentence in October 2019 for assaulting his ex‑partner Jennifer Staunton and threatening to kill her, was released from custody on 1 April 2020. He violated the conditions of his probation by re‑entering his former family home uninvited, threatening Staunton with a knife, kneeing her in the face and head‑butting her. He also failed to remain alcohol‑free, beginning to misuse alcohol immediately after release. The five children of the couple, aged between one and 14, hid in another room and called emergency services. Gardaí arrived shortly after the assault. Staunton suffered facial swelling but declined to give a victim impact statement. Judge Martin Nolan, hearing the case, decided to remove the Probation Service from the situation but left the probation bond in place, noting that if Weafer approaches the injured party the full 20‑month suspended portion of his sentence would be activated. David Weafer pleaded guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Man who attacked ex avoids reincarceration despite violating release terms. Charges or matters: assault causing harm to Jennifer Staunton and threatening her at the same address on February 10, 2018. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- February 10, 2018 Incident
- October 2019 Incident
- April 1, 2020 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2020-10-07 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: assault causing harm to Jennifer Staunton and threatening her at the same address on February 10, 2018 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: At a sentencing hearing in October 2019, Weafer was sentenced to three years imprisonment. The final 20 months of the sentence were suspended on a number of conditions, including that he stay away from his former partner and that he remain alcohol and drug free.
Places mentioned
Topics
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