Man jailed for stabbing former partner's new boyfriend
A 51-year-old Kildare man serving life for murdering his ex partner has today been given a three-year jail sentence for stabbing her new boyfriend.
Michael McDonald of Barnhill, Castledermot stuck a knife in John Lawlor's hand before he used the weapon to kill Breda Cummins as she lay in bed at a house in Athy on May 13, 2010.
In a jealous rage, Michael McDonald lashed out at John Lawlor's hand with a knife moments before he stabbed his ex-partner Breda Cummins six times in her bed.
He had arrived by taxi at their house in the early hours of the morning armed with a kitchen knife.
He was convicted of her murder last November and jailed for life.
Today, he was given a three-year sentence for assault causing harm to her new partner, who says he feels constant guilt that he did not prevent Breda's death.
His attacker, a father-of-one, has a history of psychiatric problems and alcohol abuse.
Judge Iseult O'Malley said in this instance both men were very lucky they were not dealing with something more serious.
