A judge has described the actions of a man who tried to kidnap a 69-year-old woman near the Phoenix Park last year as "sinister".
Martin Gallagher, of Rusheeney Avenue, Hartstown, Dublin 15, was jailed for six years today for assault causing harm and false imprisonment.
Judge Martin Nolan today commended the woman for her bravery in fighting off her attacker in what he described as a “terrifying experience”.
He said he still doesn’t know what Martin Gallagher’s motivation was that day.
The court heard he tried to bundle the woman into the back of his car after failing to close the lid of the boot when he scooped her up from behind and threw her in.
She had been out for an early morning walk and was en route to the Phoenix Park.
She said she feared for her life that day and still has nightmares. She doesn’t go for walks on her own anymore – a pastime she really enjoyed beforehand.
Gallagher initially denied the allegation but when DNA evidence linked him to the failed kidnap attempt, he said he thought she was a male friend of his, whom he was going to frighten for a laugh. The judge described that excuse as “implausible”.
The 21 year old was jailed for six years.
