DUBLIN — Nathan Grant McNulty (27) has been sentenced to nine years in prison, with the final 12 months suspended, for the rape and coercive control of his former partner, Sarah Ryan. The Central Criminal Court heard that between 2018 and 2022, McNulty subjected Sarah to a “nightmare” of physical beatings, verbal abuse, and total dominance.
Key Details of the Case:
- The Crimes: McNulty pleaded guilty to rape (occurring in March 2019) and a sustained pattern of coercive control. He used physical violence, including headbutting Sarah and hitting her with a hairbrush, and psychological tactics such as constant phone monitoring and dictates on her appearance.
- The “Ownership” Mentality: In one chilling incident, McNulty told Sarah, “I own you. I’m not joking, I own you.”
- Impact on Victim: Sarah described moving from being a “bubbly” person to a “shell,” suffering from severe depression and anxiety.
- The Sentence: Mr. Justice Tony Hunt set a headline sentence of 13 years, reduced to nine due to the guilty plea. McNulty is also banned from ever contacting Sarah again.
In a statement after the trial, Sarah urged others living in fear to reach out: “You can escape. You can survive.”
