Woman, 39, was stabbed, scalded and beaten by ex

A WOMAN who was scalded, stabbed, and beaten by her ex-boyfriend, said she does not trust men following the attack.

Simone Lee, 39, suffered severe burns to her face, neck, trunk, and eyelids after a drink-fuelled attack by Colin Ryan. She was also stabbed in the back, and sustained a brain injury during the vicious assault, Limerick Circuit Court heard.

Gardaí, responding to a 999 call from a member of the public, arrived at Ms Lee’s flat at Hassett’s Villas, Thomondgate, to find her lying face down, semi-conscious, and naked from the waist up. Two televisions and a window had been smashed.

‘She had been stabbed in the back, had numerous burn marks, and had obvious head and facial injuries,’ John O’Sullivan, senior prosecution counsel, told the court.

Investigating gardaí initially believed Ryan, 30, had poured an acid substance on Ms Lee’s face and body. However they told the court they now believe Ryan used hot water in the attack, which caused serous burns to 10% of her body.

Ryan, with an address at St Ita’s Street, St Mary’s Park, has pleaded guilty to one count of intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to Ms Lee.

Judge Tom O’Donnell said Ms Lee had to be commended for her efforts in her recovery. He said he will pass sentence on Ryan on October 24.