Two Cork women who beat a French national so severely that she may not be able to have children were sentenced to three years' imprisonment at Cork Circuit Criminal Court yesterday.
Mrs Lila Dorgan (32) told the court last November she had suffered more than 50 epileptic attacks since the assault, which she called a "racist crime". The French woman, who is of Moroccan origin, said life since the assault is a living hell, and called for the perpetrators to be punished.
Ms Linda O'Driscoll and Ms June Moore, both aged 21, of Knocknaheeny, Cork, pleaded guilty to stirring up hatred and assaulting Mrs Dorgan causing her harm.
The French woman and her Irish husband, Kevin, were returning home from a night out in Cork city on September 24th, 2000, when they spotted Ms Moore urinating outside the front door of their home on North Main Street.
Words were exchanged and the women grabbed Mrs Dorgan and threw her on the ground where they repeatedly punched and kicked her. A man stepped in to prevent Mr Dorgan from providing assistance to his wife. The women continued to shout racist remarks at the victim even after gardaí arrived.
Mr and Mrs Dorgan left Ireland and went to live in Lyon, France, following the attack, which has left Mrs Dorgan suffering from acute depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
The court was told yesterday that the women were ashamed of their actions. Ms Moore's sister, Elizabeth, apologised to Mrs Dorgan on behalf of her family. Her sister, she said, had been attending AA meetings for a drink problem.
Mr Tim O'Leary BL said Ms O'Driscoll was concerned about the effect a custodial sentence would have on her two children. The defendants have offered to pay €4,000 compensation.
Judge Patrick J. Moran said the courts had to ensure citizens were able to walk the streets at night without being subjected to attacks.