A chiropractor from Letterkenny has been jailed for five years for breaking into his ex-girlfriend’s home and assaulting her.
Helen McEvily was at home after a night out when Kevin Ginty, 46, climbed in through her sitting room window in April 2010.
She managed to leave the house and call the gardaí, but Ginty then wrapped his arm around her neck and dragged her back into the house.
Ginty of St Columbas Terrace, Letterkenny had pleaded guilty to burglary and assault on the 33 year old woman.
Ms McEvily said that a part of her did not survive that night, and everything in her life now revolves around the fact that she was attacked.
She said she has since moved house and has installed personal alarms, telling the court that this incident has prevented her from moving on with her life. “To me I am no longer living”, she said, “I survive”.
Mr Justice Paul Carney said he was taking into account the fact that the accused pleaded guilty and that there was a lack of “any relevant” previous convictions.
However, he said he was also taking into consideration the fact the incident had a serious effect on the victim.
“A woman is entitled to rely on the safety and security of her own bed in her home,” said the judge.
He imposed a five-year jail sentence, backdated to last Monday, when the defendant went into custody.