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A woman in Dublin, Ireland, has accused her housemate of a violent assault in which she was allegedly strangled inside their shared rented accommodation. During the attack, she reportedly pretended to be dead in an effort to survive the incident.
The accused has been identified as Donatas Jankauskas, aged 44, who has been formally charged in connection with the case.
According to court proceedings reported by Irish media outlets, Jankauskas was the primary tenant of the residence located in the Santry area of Dublin and had sublet a room to the victim for approximately one year.
The case is currently being reviewed by the Dublin District Court following the alleged incident that occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Court testimony revealed that police received an emergency call shortly after 4:00 a.m. local time from the victim, who was reportedly screaming for help during the call.
Law enforcement officers arrived at the property shortly after and found the woman in a highly distressed condition. Officers also observed signs of damage inside the room, including a broken mirror and a damaged bed structure.
Authorities stated that the accused was still present at the property when police arrived. He was reportedly intoxicated and behaving aggressively during the confrontation with officers.
The suspect is also accused of resisting arrest and allegedly assaulting a police officer during the incident.
According to statements provided through an interpreter, the victim told investigators that the accused entered her room suddenly after knocking on her door and then physically restrained her from behind.
She alleged that he placed his arm around her neck, restricting her breathing and causing her to lose consciousness.
During the struggle, she attempted to defend herself and later stated that she believed her life was in immediate danger.
Court records indicate that the victim made a conscious decision to pretend she was dead in order to survive the alleged attack.
She then used her mobile phone to activate an emergency SOS call, during which she was heard screaming for assistance.
The entire alleged assault reportedly lasted approximately six minutes.
Medical and police reports noted that the woman suffered visible facial injuries and significant trauma. Following the incident, she was relocated to temporary emergency accommodation for her safety.
The accused has been denied bail following the court’s assessment of the seriousness of the allegations. Prosecutors described the case as involving an “extreme and harrowing strangulation assault.”
He is additionally charged with criminal damage and resisting arrest, along with assaulting a police officer.
The suspect is scheduled to appear before Colverhill District Court in Dublin for a follow-up hearing. The presiding judge indicated that the case may be escalated to the Circuit Court, which has broader sentencing authority.
The accused has denied all allegations. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to examine evidence and witness statements related to the incident.