A 30-year-old man has been sentenced to 12 years in prison, with the final two years suspended, for an attack in Co Monaghan that left his aunt with permanent and life-altering brain injuries.
Nyal Tumelty, of Coolderry, Inniskeen in Co Monaghan, had pleaded guilty to an assault causing serious harm to Angela Cunningham at her home in Cloughvalley, Carrickmacross, on 22 April 2023.
At Cavan Circuit Court this morning, Judge John Alymer described it as an "appalling" and "frenzied attack" fuelled by alcohol and cocaine.
Ms Cunningham had been struck in the head with a bottle, stabbed in the face, and kicked while on the ground.
No attempt was made to call emergency services or for medical help.
Instead, the court heard Tumelty unlawfully took Ms Cunningham's car.
Ms Cunningham was found lying injured in the kitchen of her home the following day by concerned members of her family who had called to check on her.
Judge Alymer said she had suffered head injuries and no longer has decision-making capacity.
Ms Cunningham, who is now 65, is being cared for at a residential facility.
The judge said the evidence of the effect the injuries had on her were extremely difficult to listen to.
Judge Alymer said that an aggregating factor of the case was that Tumelty was on bail at the time for assault causing harm and the false imprisonment of a woman in Carlingford, which he is currently serving a six year and nine month sentence for.
He said that the attack was fuelled by alcohol and drugs, and Tumelty had little recollection of what happened, but that was "no excuse".
He said Tumelty's diagnosis of schizophrenia was secondary to the drug induced psychosis.
The judge said mitigating circumstances were that Tumelty presented himself to gardaí, cooperated with authorities and admitted to attacking his aunt.
Judge Alymer also said it appears that he is ashamed and horrified and remorseful of his actions.
He sentenced Tumelty to 12 years in prison with the final two years suspended.
The judge also ordered two years supervision post release.
In a letter read out to the court, Tumelty said that he was "truly sorry" for what happened and that he had ruined his aunt's life.
Ms Cunningham's family spoke outside the courthouse and expressed disappointment with the sentencing.
Her daughter Louise Cunningham said she felt deflated as they were hoping for a "stronger sentence".
She said her mother was beaten so badly that she has significant and permanent brain damage.
"Although she survived, the mother we knew never recovered. Today Nyal received essentially a 10-year sentence. But when he attacked our mother, she was given a life sentence due to the injuries he inflicted upon her," she said.
"The length of the sentence is heartbreaking, and it doesn't feel like justice has been served."
