Man Jailed for Vicious Attack Leaving Partner Eating Through Straws for Months
A man who brutally assaulted his partner, leaving her with such severe injuries that she had to eat and drink through straws for months, has been sentenced to prison. Jonathan Kingsbury, 41, carried out the violent attack in Cork in 2023, resulting in a fractured jaw, eye socket, broken nose, and the loss of two teeth for the victim.
Details of the Assault
The Cork Circuit Criminal Court heard that on March 11, 2023, after a night out, Kingsbury slammed his partner's head against a counter and a wall in her home. Garda Aisling Brosnan reported that he then punched her in the face, put his hands around her neck, and threw heavy kitchen items at her. During the assault, he also broke the victim's phone.
The woman was hospitalized for three days and underwent surgery to insert metal plates into both sides of her fractured jaw. She suffered additional injuries including a fractured eye socket, a broken nose, and lost two teeth. She managed to escape the house and alert neighbors, who contacted the gardaí.
Victim Impact Statement
In a powerful victim impact statement, the woman described ongoing anxiety and fear following the attack. She said, "Before I go anywhere, I'll get an anxiety attack. It's horrible. I want to cry. I want to get sick, I start shaking. I start over-thinking things." She added that she is always afraid of bumping into Kingsbury and has changed her locks due to safety concerns.
The victim also expressed anxiety about traveling, noting that the metal plates in her jaw make her worried about setting off airport metal detectors. She recounted, "For months after it, I was eating and drinking through straws. I lost two teeth as well because of the punches he gave me."
Sentencing and Remorse
Kingsbury pleaded guilty to assault causing harm and criminal damage. Defence barrister Nikki O'Sullivan stated that her client is disgusted with himself, has been sober for 18 months, and wishes to apologize to the victim, assuring he will never come near her again.
Judge Helen Boyle acknowledged Kingsbury's genuine remorse and noted that he had spared the victim the trauma of a trial by pleading guilty. She highlighted the serious psychological and physical impact on the victim, stating, "It is an aggravating factor that the assault was carried out on your partner in her own home."
However, the judge warned that Kingsbury could pose a threat to future intimate partners if he relapses. He was sentenced to three years and nine months in prison, with the final nine months suspended for two years. A concurrent one-year sentence was given for criminal damage. Upon release, he must maintain good behaviour and engage with probation services.
