Mayo chef (49) with history of domestic violence is facing a prison sentence

A MAN with a history of domestic violence against his wife faces a prison term.

Mohammad Ahmed, aged 49, of Ellison Street, Castlebar, pleaded guilty at Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court to assaulting his wife.

Garda Ciara Brennan told the court that the attack happened at the family home at Cois Abhainn, Castlebar, on March 8, 2024.

His wife had questioned her husband’s drinking that morning and Ahmed dragged her along the floor by her hair.

He punched his wife and put his hands around her neck in an attempt to choke her.

Ahmed left the property when gardaí were called. Photographs showing marks to the victim’s neck and around her right eye were taken by officers.

The couple’s two young sons were present in the house at the time of the assault. Ahmed was arrested later that evening at Tulsi Indian restaurant. He gave a no-comment interview.

The court heard the couple are married over 20 years and Ahmed had taken ownership of the Indian restaurant at the time. He sustained injuries in an explosion there in January 2025.

The court was told there were eight domestic incidents reported at the home since 2022 and Ahmed has one previous conviction for a similar offence.

He was serving a suspended jail sentence when he assaulted his wife again. The victim withdrew her statement of complaint but the Director of Public Prosecutions proceeded with the case.

The court heard the Bangladeshi native came to Ireland in 1999 and previously worked as a chef and restaurant owner.

Judge Eoin Garavan said Ahmed had received a suspended jail term but “could not resist resorting to violence again."

He noted the bandages on the man’s hands following the restaurant explosion.

“It may benefit the victim that his hands aren’t in good condition,” Judge Garavan commented.

He said the offence merits a custodial term and remanded Ahmed in jail until July 1 for sentencing.

* Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.