Hidden cameras and microphones accusation made by woman in Kildare court case

A man has been secretly recording his ex-wife by hiding cameras and microphones around the house.

That's the claim which was heard during an in-camera (in private) application which was heard in Naas District Court on Thursday, January 11 last.

During the court session, a woman asked Judge Desmond Zaidan to grant her a protection order from her ex-husband.

The woman claimed that her ex-husband, whom she still lives with in their Kildare home, 'has cameras and microphones all over the inside of the house,' specifically, in the kitchen and in her car.

"He also monitors our child's phone too," she added.

Judge Zaidan asked her: "He is doing this purely to control you?" to which she replied: "Yes."

When the judge asked her why she thinks he is allegedly acting in this manner, the woman responded: "I don't know, he has always been controlling."

Judge Zaidan then asked her: "When things were going OK (in your marriage) did he have the cameras and microphones hidden throughout the house?"

"Yes, but I never felt comfortable (with their presence)," she replied.

After consideration, Judge Zaidan said that, for this reason, that the woman's situation does not merit the granting of an emergency protection order.

Judge Zaidan also said that while there was no substantial risk of immediate physical harm towards the woman, he did acknowledge that being secretly recorded is emotionally distressing.

The judge concluded by saying that he would 'reluctantly' grant the protection order for the woman.

The case will resume on a date in June for hearing.

If you have been affected by this article, you can find resources to help you by contacting Women's Aid at 1800 341 900 or emailing [email protected], or Men's Aid by ringing 01 554 3811 or emailing [email protected].

Additionally, you can find resources to help you by emailing Samaritans Ireland at [email protected], or by ringing 116 123.