Farmer sent over 100 messages to former partner
A MAN sent over 100 phone messages through the night to his former partner of 14 years, Newcastle West Court heard.
The man, who cannot be named to protect the identity of the injured party, pleaded guilty to breaching a protection order in early December 2022.
Inspector Gearoid Thompson, prosecuting, said the accused sent over 100 messages to a woman during the night - over a 14 hour period.
“The injured party made a statement of complaint to gardai,” said Insp Thompson, who added that the defendant, who is aged in his late 20s, has no previous convictions.
Michael O’Donnell, solicitor for the man being prosecuted, said his client accepts the breach.
“He accepted a safety order on December 8. There hasn’t been any breaches since. They were in a relationship for 14 years which came to an abrupt end.
“The adjustment factor caused him to act the way he did. He accepts he was out of order. He is attending anger management counselling,” said Mr O’Donnell, who added that his client and the victim have spoken normally since the incident.
The solicitor brought to the court’s attention a disputed spare key of a car.
“While he had the spare key of the car he does not have it anymore. If he had it he would hand it over,” said Mr O’Donnell.
Enda O’Connor, solicitor for the victim, said a five year safety order has been put in place.
“There is a significant amount of mobile phone communication and there is a photo of a key. My client is concerned there is a key floating around and the defendant is the last person to have it,” said Mr O’Connor.
Mr O’Donnell said the accused has pleaded guilty to the phone messages.
“He is dealing with matters. He is involved in farming - he has a nice business. It is a difficult time for him following the ending of a 14 year relationship,” said Mr O’Donnell, who asked for the case to be adjourned for a period of time.
Mr O’Connor said his client is a very intelligent young lady. He said if the defendant engaged with MOVE Ireland (Men Overcoming Violence – a voluntary organisation which works to address domestic violence against women) it would give her confidence.
Judge Carol Anne Coolican remanded the defendant on continuing bail and asked for a victim impact statement to be prepared.