Dublin Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Raping Partner and Attempting Strangulation

Patrick Ward pleaded guilty to one count of raping his partner while she was sleeping in her apartment between April 28 and May 4, 2024, and has been sentenced to 10 years in jail.

Ward, 36, of Dublin 1, had a history of self-harm and suicide attempts in front of the woman to control her. He pleaded guilty to the rape charge, along with having 98 previous convictions, including sexual assaults on women and a teenage girl while they were asleep.

The court heard that Ward and the woman met in 2023, and he moved in with her shortly after. On May 21, 2024, police responded to a call for help and found Ward trying to strangle the woman in her apartment. She had previously reported feeling fearful of him.

The woman detailed a history of abuse by Ward, including threats of suicide and self-harm. She also revealed an incident of rape that she discovered through a video on Ward's phone.

In a victim impact statement, the woman expressed struggles with anxiety and night terrors, leading to the loss of her home and job. Ward was sentenced to 10 years in prison, with the final 18 months suspended under strict conditions.

According to the source: Sunday World.