KILDARE: Judge criticises handcuffing of man in court
A sitting judge criticised the handcuffing of a man who appeared before court on an alleged breach of a family law order.
The man appeared before Naas District Court on a claim of breaching a safety order.
It was claimed that the breach arose when the man enquired about a medical condition of his daughter, who was accompanied by a grandparent at the time.
Judge Desmond Zaidan criticised the handcuffing of the man for a incident of this nature and said that some discretion should be used for some breaches.
The court heard that the man’s ex partner claimed that the children were in fear when their father tried to talk to them.
Judge Zaidan comments that sometimes the experiences of life are invaluable.
He said the children are with the mother most of the time and the fear may arise because they may have a fear of losing their mother as well as their father.
“That is what goes through the minds of children when parents break up," he said.
He said the man should be allowed to communicate with his children.
Solicitor Matt Byrne disputed the allegation and said the order was not granted in favour of the grandparent.
Judge Zaidan adjourned the matter to June 8.
He added that unless something else comes up he will strike out the case on that date.