ATHLONE, IRELAND – A 23-year-old man from Fossagh, Mount Temple, Co Westmeath, found himself in court after carrying out violent attacks on two women in Athlone, Co Westmeath. Ben Curry was on bail at the time in connection to two separate violent disorder incidents in Longford. The assaults occurred on January 1 and May 23 of the previous year at two locations in Athlone.
Curry pleaded guilty to the charges, which also included criminal damage related to the first assault and robbery for stealing his second victim’s iPhone worth €900. The court heard disturbing details of how Curry brutally attacked his first victim in her student apartment after searching through her phone and getting violent over text messages she had sent.
The young woman was subjected to physical violence, including being slapped, choked, punched, and kicked by Curry. The situation escalated when Curry armed himself with two knives and threatened to harm the woman. She managed to escape and seek help from her mother.
The second assault occurred just four days after Curry met his second victim in a pub. He lured her to Athlone Town Centre, where he physically assaulted her, headbutting her, punching her, and stealing her iPhone. The victim expressed ongoing fear and trauma from the attack.
In court, the judge expressed grave concern over the violent nature of the assaults and the fact that Curry was on bail when he committed them. Curry’s troubled past and expressions of remorse were considered as mitigating factors, but he was ultimately sentenced to seven years in prison, with conditions imposed upon his release to ensure the safety of the victims. He was remanded in custody pending his sentencing date.
These incidents serve as a reminder of the importance of addressing violent behavior and ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals in society. The court’s decision sends a strong message that such actions will not be tolerated, and steps will be taken to prevent further harm to others.