Brave domestic abuse survivor Kirsty Fitzpatrick will never have to face the evil brute who launched a ‘savage’ golf club attack on her - after a judge imposed a lifetime ban preventing Mark Conway from contacting her or any member of her family.
The 27-year-old, who was forced to flee Ireland after months of threats and harassment while Conway was on bail, welcomed the ruling as a turning point.
Alongside a six-year prison sentence last Monday, January 26 at Mullingar Circuit Court, the presiding judge imposed a Section 10 order that gives her permanent protection, something she described as “huge” after the trauma she endured.
“This gives me a chance to heal and finally move on,” Kirsty said, speaking exclusively to this paper.
“Silence only enables abusers. Karma finally caught up, and justice was served,” a brave Kirsty said, adding the reason she is speaking out is to encourage other victims of domestic abuse to come forward “before it’s too late,” so they can get justice.”
“There is a life after abuse. Love shouldn’t hurt. No-one deserves to be abused, controlled or manipulated,” said Kirsty.
Evil Conway, 39, of Marine View, Athlone, Co Westmeath, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm after attacking Ms Fitzpatrick at his home on February 16, 2024. He has 21 previous convictions for public order, criminal damage, burglary, theft and knife possession.
Mullingar Circuit Court heard he repeatedly punched and kicked her before striking her with a golf club, leaving her terrified for her life. Gardai had to use incapacitant spray to restrain him when he lunged at them.
Judge Keenan Johnson described Conway as having “Jekyll and Hyde characteristics” passive when sober but violent when drunk.
The court heard how she was repeatedly kicked and punched before Conway began delivering full-force blows with a golf club and used a wooden floorboard to also assault her.
Ms Fitzpatrick begged him to stop, telling him she loved him and thought he could kill her, and that was his intention.
Earlier, the judge had also found that Conway’s late-stage expression of remorse “rings rather hollow” and criticised him for his audacity in accusing Ms Fitzpatrick of lying.
The court heard Conway was on bail at the time over another violent incident involving his former partner.
Distraught Kirsty, who the court heard was “battered all over her body,” delivered a harrowing impact statement where she said she suffered severe bruising, suffered flashbacks, trauma and insomnia. She told the court: “I thought I was going to die. He wrapped my hair around his hand, leaving no way of escaping.”
She spoke about the mental scars which she thought would take years to heal.
Afterwards, Conway sent threats, putting her in constant fear.
Conway had a history of alcohol abuse and was “in a state of alcoholic blackout” when the assault happened.
Conway later apologised in court via his barrister and did not address the court. However, his victim spoke up, saying, “I will never, ever, ever accept it.”
Conway’s six-year sentence included a nine-month suspension, subject to strict conditions and probation supervision.
Now, speaking to this paper this week, Ms Fitzpatrick said she is relieved the judge imposed the Section 10 order as well as sentencing Conway.
“I'm so happy it's been the hardest 23 months of my life having to relive it every time it went to court. But it's finally over,” Kirsty said.
She said the Section 10 order was essential, given that he had harassed her while on bail and forced her to leave the country for her own safety.
“Justice was finally served,” Kirsty said. “I couldn’t have asked for a better outcome. Now it’s my time to live.”
She also called for stronger protections for victims in Ireland, highlighting the need for Jennie’s Law, a proposed piece of legislation aimed at strengthening protections for victims of domestic abuse by making the past convictions of domestic abusers more visible and accessible in a publicly accessible Domestic Violence register.
Named in honour of Jennifer Poole, a 24-year-old mum-of-two murdered by her ex-partner Gavin Murphy in her home in Finglas, Dublin 11 April 2021. Jennifer was stabbed seven times by Murphy and was later pronounced dead in hospital.
Murphy (33) of Coultry Drive in Ballymun was sentenced to life in prison in 2022 after he admitted the offence and pleaded guilty to murder.
Jennifer’s family only learned of evil Murphy’s previous domestic violence convictions after her death.
Jennifer’s brother Jason and his family have been campaigning for the law to be brought in in a bid to save other abuse victim’s lives.
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