Kildare court: Man given ultimatum between alcohol addiction and family
GRAPHIC CONTENT WARNING
An ultimatum was given on a man who appeared in Naas District Court on Thursday, November 24.
The man, who cannot be identified as the case was heard in-camera (in-private), appeared in the courthouse for an alleged breach of a protection order.
A garda told Judge Desmond Zaidan that the man had threatened to hurt himself when speaking to his ex-partner, and later followed through with this threat.
It was heard that he had to be hospitalised following the self-harm incident.
When the judge asked the garda in question why the man hurt himself, the garda replied: "He was feeling sorry for himself, he was blaming himself (over the breakdown of his relationship) and got angry."
He also said that the man had an addiction to alcohol.
Garda Sergeant Brian Jacob added that it would appear that the relationship was stuck in a toxic cycle, to which Judge Desmond Zaidan agreed, saying that it appeared that the man would drink, fall-out with his partner, apologise for his actions, move back in, and then the same thing would happen all over again.
Defending solicitor Tim Kennelly said that the man in question admitted to him that he had an issue with alcohol and wished to seek treatment for his condition.
When Judge Zaidan asked the man’s ex-partner, whom he has a young child with, if she still loves him, she replied: "I have mixed feelings (about him)."
"I don’t blame you,” the judge said.
He then addressed the man, saying: "You are a lucky man... how many chances do you want this woman to give you?
"It’s either going to be the alcohol or your partner and child, you can’t have both. It's a simple choice."
The woman then said that she offered the same ultimatum to her ex-partner.
After the man admitted to the offence, Judge Zaidan decided to appoint a probation officer to his case.
He remanded the man on continuing bail until the case returns to court on a date next year, for a probation report and sentencing.
If you have been affected by this article, you can find resources to help you by emailing Samaritans Ireland at [email protected] or ring 116 123, or by visiting pieta.ie.
Additionally, you can visit the HSE's site for domestic violence resources by clicking here.