He beat me and held a knife to my throat.. now he's out and I need a place to be safe

Brave Emma tells of fears attacker will track her down if she and her kids are made homeless. Better support call for victims forced to choose between the streets and abuser

- BY PAUL HEALY Crime Correspondent

A DOMESTIC abuse survivor fears for her safety as her vile attacker is freed and she's about to be made homeless.

Anthony Mackessy, 42, was released from prison this month for the brutal assault in January 2024 where he held his ex Emma Hallahan at knifepoint at her home in Dungarvan, Co Waterford.

Speaking to this paper today, she told how she and her sons - aged 13, 10, six and five, are now set to be on the streets by March - as she has to give up the home she once shared with Mackessy.

Emma said: "I've to leave this place now because it’s a holiday home and it’s being sold.

"If I can't find a place by March 20, I have to present as homeless and the council will put us into emergency accommodation."

Speaking of her ongoing fear of Mackessy, who has been ordered to stay away from her, she told of how she had tried to get out of the home she’s stuck in, but didn’t have enough time before her abuser was freed.

Emma added: “Since he's been released, when I walk out my front door I'm looking over my shoulder. If I see a car passing by that's similar to his, I automatically think it's him.

“Where I'm living is pretty isolated. I just feel that I'm very alone where I am and also I constantly have my door locked now. Like I can't leave my front door open.”

VULNERABLE

Emma told of her fear that former HSE worker Mackessy, who a court heard was of a high-risk of re-offending, could easily track her down, as she remains vulnerable while trying to find a new home.

She said: “I've been told that he’s on probation and that he won't do anything but that doesn't take away my fear.