A 53-year-old man has been sentenced to 12-and-a-half years in prison, with two suspended, for coercive control, intimidation and multiple assaults on his former partner over a two-year period.
He is the first person to be convicted of coercive control following a trial.
Daniel Kane, from Scariff House, Waterville Terrace in Blanchardstown, Dublin, admitted to also trying while he was in prison to get the victim to withdraw her statements and prevent his trial going ahead.
He "viciously and callously" attacked his victim between 2018 and 2020.
Kane burned, punched, head-butted, stamped on and attempted to strangle the 43-year-old woman who became meek, submissive and fearful.
He always persuaded the woman that it would not happen again and such was the control over her, she said, she went back to him.
He also took all her money, humiliated her in public and isolated her from her friends and family.
Kane changed from threats and violence to declarations of love, marriage and threats of self-harm.
While he was in prison he tried to get the victim to withdraw her statements and prevent his trial going ahead, then pleaded not guilty.
Judge Elma Sheahan said Kane showed disdain for the victim with totally unprovoked and unpredictable acts of cruelty of the most vicious nature.
Judge Sheahan said his failure at any stage to accept his wrongdoing and the harm he caused was particularly troubling.
The judge said that if the doctors who saw the woman's injuries had not intervened and contacted gardaí, after she had been admitted to hospital for the 20th time, the abuse would have continued.
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Gardaí said this case had led to more victims of domestic violence coming forward and paid tribute to the woman.
Chief Superintendent Finbar Murphy warned other domestic violence offenders to stop the abuse and get help because they would be prosecuted.
Judge Sheahan sentenced Kane to 12-and-a-half years in prison, with the final two years suspended on condition he engage with the Probation Services and complete anger management and victim empathy courses.
Anyone affected by this report can contact the 24-hour confidential Women's Aid Helpline on 1800 341 900.
Men's Aid offer support during business hours Monday to Friday on 01-5543811.
The Crime Victims Helpline can be reached on freephone 116 006 Monday to Saturday.
