Reservoir suicide man who attacked wife with axe on previous assault rap

THE man who took his own life after subjecting his estranged wife to a vicious axe attack was facing five years in prison over a previous assault on her.

- BY MICHAEL O'TOOLE Crime and Defence Editor

We revealed yesterday that the man, whose body was found in a reservoir in Co Kildare on Monday, was charged with attacking her, but sources have now confirmed he was facing a charge of assault causing harm.

That is a serious offence that can carry up to five years in prison.

Sources tell us the man was alleged to have attacked his wife in the same house in Leixlip where he targeted her on Monday.

He first appeared in court on October 14, just six weeks before he launched Monday morning's horrific attack on the woman, who is in her 50s.