A 21-year-old man who attacked and tried to kidnap a 69-year-old woman in January last year has been jailed for six years.
Martin Gallagher, from Rusheeny Avenue in Hartstown, forced the woman into the boot of his car in Dublin, but she managed to fight her way free.
Gallagher then drove off at speed after a man came to the woman's aid, when he saw her legs sticking out of the boot.
He was arrested that evening, but denied he was involved. He told gardaí he had been in bed that day until 4.30pm.
He was released but rearrested two days later. He was charged when his DNA matched scrapings found under the victim's nails.
In her victim impact statement, the woman said her life changed that day in a way she thought it never would.
"I looked into his face while I was in that boot, I was afraid for my life," she said.
"God was on my side and he knew I had to get out of the boot of that car."
Gallagher, who has limited intellectual capacity and was intoxicated at the time, apologised in writing for his actions.
Judge Martin Nolan said it was a particularly sinister and terrifying crime.
He said "for some unknown reason" Gallagher has attacked the woman and tried to kidnap her.
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Court told woman feared for her life during attempted abduction
The judge also said he found his explanation that he thought the victim was a male friend of his to be "implausible".
He also said that Gallagher "may not be the brightest, but he's bright enough to know the difference between right and wrong" and he knows it is "wrong to assault" and "wrong to kidnap".
He also commended the woman for her bravery and said she must have surprised Gallagher with her strength.
"I hope you get over it," the judge told her in court.
"Best of luck to you."
