A Wicklow man has been sentenced to three years in prison for coercively controlling and falsely imprisoning his former partner.
Cian Smullen (30), of Timore, Newcastle, Co. Wicklow, pleaded guilty to charges including coercive control, false imprisonment, burglary, criminal damage, and making threats. His sentencing took place at the Central Criminal Court in Dublin.
Victim’s Statement: A Life of Fear and Trauma
In a powerful victim impact statement, the woman described Smullen as a “cruel, inhumane person” who destroyed both her life and her child’s. She recalled the deep anxiety, shame, and fear she experienced, revealing that she was often left too bruised to leave the house.
“I was constantly afraid he was going to come back,” she stated, adding that she has “never recovered” from the abuse. She admitted she was too scared to report him earlier, fearing she would lose custody of her daughter.
Court Ruling & Sentencing
Mr. Justice Paul Burns condemned Smullen’s “cruel” actions, emphasizing that the abuse occurred over several months within a relationship—an aggravating factor in the case. He noted that Smullen’s guilty plea came late but was acknowledged by the prosecution.
A probation report highlighted Smullen’s limited remorse and victim-blaming tendencies, placing him at high risk of reoffending. However, a psychological report suggested he had ADHD and struggled with anger management.
Smullen, who had 24 previous convictions—including one for assault—was sentenced to four years, with the final year suspended. His sentence was backdated to November 2023, accounting for time already spent in custody.
Details of the Abuse
The court heard that Smullen’s relationship with the victim began in 2019, with the abuse escalating soon after they moved in together.
Detective Garda Liz Collins testified that Smullen became controlling, forcing the woman to stay home and isolating her. When she tried to end the relationship, he violently attacked her, leaving her with a black eye.
On one occasion, Smullen attempted to break into the house using an axe and screwdriver. He repeatedly hit the woman and ignored her pleas to leave, forcing her to move in with her father. In retaliation, he threatened to burn down her father’s house.
He also used coercion to maintain control, threatening to plant drugs in her home to have her child taken away by social services.
By November 2020, the victim gave him a deadline to leave, warning that she would seek a court order. However, Smullen continued his pattern of intimidation, fueled by substance abuse.
Defense & Mitigation
Smullen’s defense counsel, Eoghan Cole SC, argued that his client had a long history of cocaine addiction and was struggling financially. He noted that Smullen’s septum damage was a clear sign of severe drug use.
While Smullen expressed remorse, the court noted that his letter of apology minimized his actions. The probation report placed him at high risk of reoffending, though Smullen claimed he had since turned his life around.
His defense stated that he is now drug-free, working with his father, and wants to rehabilitate. Despite this, the court ultimately ruled that a custodial sentence was necessary given the severity of his offenses.
Conclusion
Cian Smullen’s case serves as another reminder of the serious consequences of coercive control and domestic abuse. His sentencing reflects the Irish judicial system’s increasing focus on protecting victims of such crimes.
