Judge warns Longford mother who 'acted like a crazed cannibal’ of potential prison term

“I am told this was another so-called 'family dispute'. There is no place for them in civilised society and they will be eradicated by this court,” Judge Connolly said of the third feud case he heard during the Easter Longford Circuit Court sitting.

Appellant Nicole Keenan (23), of 82 Ardnacassa Avenue, Longford, was convicted of a section three assault and sentenced to seven months in prison, with the final two suspended by District Court Judge Vincent Deane.

The appellant came before Judge Kenneth Connolly in the Circuit Court appealing the severity of the sentence imposed for her Section 3 assault on Rosaleen Ward on February 21st, 2022 at Main Street, Longford.

Garda Noelle Fahey outlined the details of the offence that happened at 4pm. CCTV taken from a business premises capturing the altercation was shown to the court. Nicole Keenan and her sister could be seen walking with a baby stroller down the town's Main Street.

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The footage showed the appellant turn toward a car stopped in traffic, abandoning her child and running at the vehicle. Ms Keenan pulled open the door and climbed in, attacking the female in the passenger seat.

Her sister, Tia, joined in the row.

The male driver of the vehicle attempted to pull the appellant out of the car, but she struggled to get past him and launched further attacks on the female in the front seat. The melee is only broken up with the arrival of Gardaí.

The court was told the victim sustained numerous injuries and bite marks, with photographs of those injuries were handed in to the judge. Ms Keenan had one previous conviction for possession of a flick knife.

Counsel for the appellant, Raymond Groarke BL, said the genesis of the incident was a dispute between two families. Mr Groarke stated his client was taunted by the occupant of the vehicle regarding the breakdown of Ms Keenan's marriage.

The barrister said Ms Keenan also sustained injuries in the altercation and expressed her willingness to engage in mediation.
Mr Groarke submitted a letter from his client which “explained where her head was at on the day”. He said the appellant was “in a dark place at the time” and was now in a “significantly better place”.

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In his review of the matter Judge Connolly said the appellant had “acted like a crazed cannibal”. He noted that the photos were “horrific” and “unacceptable” which “shows piece of the missing abdomen” where the victim was bitten.

The judge said he would adjourn the matter to next term to allow for the preparation of a probation report, adding: “If it's not favourable you will go to custody.”

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The judge expects “substantial compensation” should be brought to court in October when the appeal will be determined. He indicated that he would increase the sentence to eight months, but said he would consider suspending it for two years provided the probation report was positive and the defendant had compensation for the victim.