DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OFFENDER REMANDED AFTER HORRIFIC ASSAULT
Anthony Mackessy, aged 41, was involved in a severe assault on his partner.The incident occurred on the night of January 13, 2024, after a night of drinking and displaying jealousy and aggression.
Mackessy called his partner derogatory names such as "whore" and "bitch," and told her to "f**k off." He later elbowed her in the chest and struck her across the face inside a car.
Upon arriving at his residence, he subjected her to a prolonged assault, during which he kept hitting her, grabbing her by the neck, and verbally abusing her.
Mackessy held a pink serrated bread knife up to her neck and shouted, "That's it I'm going to kill you now." The victim tried to call for help and pleaded with him to stop, mentioning her children.
Mackessy smashed her iPhone on her face when she attempted to call her father.
He fell asleep at points during the assault but would wake immediately if she tried to move or call for help.
Eventually, she managed to get his phone to call her father, but Mackessy took the phone away and drove off.
Gardaí attended the scene, and the victim was taken to hospital with extensive bruising.
Mackessy returned to the address two days later, causing Gardaí to detain him.
In Garda custody, he blamed the woman for the incident.
Mackessy, who works as a pharmaceutical porter at University Hospital Limerick, has five previous convictions, all related to road traffic offences.
The victim provided a heartfelt impact statement, describing the emotional trauma and ongoing fear, noting that she had lost family and friends due to the relationship.
Mackessy admitted guilt and claimed the assault was 'very minor, a one-off,' but the judge described his statement as 'extraordinary' and questioned his remorse.
Mackessy is remanded in custody pending sentencing scheduled for the following month.
