Athlone man jailed for vicious road assault on ex-partner

A man who rammed his ex-girlfriend’s car in a vicious attack in Athlone two years ago has been jailed for three years.

Stephen Waters (34), with an address at Barley Fields, Bealnamulla, Athlone, Co Roscommon, appeared before a sitting of Mullingar Circuit Court, where he came forward on a signed guilty plea to assault causing harm and dangerous driving on the outskirts of Athlone town on March 11, 2024.

The father of three had previously appeared in Athlone District Court where presiding Judge Bernadette Owens refused jurisdiction on the case due to the seriousness of the charge.

Garda Gavin Conway outlined to Circuit Court Judge Cephas Power how the victim, who wanted to remain friends after her breakup with Mr Waters, was in her own vehicle shortly after 10.30pm with her new partner when Mr Waters, in his mother’s car, drove into the front bumper.

The woman managed to drive away but Mr Waters followed her along a stretch of the Clonown Road, Athlone, and rammed into the back of her car, before taking her car keys and pulling her out of the vehicle. He threatened to burn her vehicle and dance all over it, the court heard.

He then punched her multiple times in the face until she fell to the ground, where he continued his assault with kicks and punches causing bruises across her face and body.

Mr Waters, when arrested and interviewed, told Gardaí that he believed he and the victim had gotten back together and she was being unfaithful.

A psychological report furnished to the court outlined that Mr Waters suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression and anxiety.

John Hayden SC, for the defence, said his client also has ADHD.

Judge Power, noting the severity of the injuries inflicted upon the victim, set a headline sentence of five years. Taking such mitigating factors as an early guilty plea into account, he reduced the sentence to one of three years.

Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme