Documentary to feature Ruth after violent random attack
By Maurice Garvey
A WOMAN who fought off a knife wielding predator in a Clondalkin laneway, will feature in the first episode of a five-part TG4 documentary this week.
The TG4 series Tabú ‘Random Acts of Violence’ details five victims from around the country who were randomly and violently attacked by strangers.
Ruth Maxwell will feature in the documentary on TG4
Ruth Maxwell survived a horrendous attack whilst on her way to work on Knockmeenagh Lane on May 16, 2016.
A predator stalking her movements, attacked her with a knife and duct tape, but Ruth stopped the assailant by grabbing the hunting knife in her hand, causing gruesome injuries but saving her life.
Ruth’s case was instrumental in a garda investigation, tying DNA evidence and CCTV footage together to identify her attacker, and secure a conviction against a man for attacks on three women in Clondalkin over a five-year period.
Further trial cases for the assailant are due to take place over the coming months.
The TG4 documentary was tough for Ruth, who had to revisit the laneway, a harrowing experience.
Since the attack, she has moved out of the area, and has been undergoing intensive rehabilitation.
The incident left her unable to return to work but she has slowly started to rebuild her love of outdoor sports and exercise – a hobby which saved her life in that laneway.
Tabú airs Wednesday, November 7, on TG4 at 9.30pm.
