Man allegedly punched his wife while on way to Kildare court
BAIL APPLICATION
A woman claimed that her husband punched on the way to court.
The accusation was heard in Naas District Court on Thursday, March 21 last, during an in-camera (in private) court session.
Her husband (whom she has a protection order against) was due to appear before Judge Desmond Zaidan in the morning time, but he did not attend as he had been arrested by gardaí and brought to Naas Garda Station.
The man’s case was adjourned to a date in July for hearing.
When the woman appeared in the afternoon, she applied for an interim barring order.
She told Judge Zaidan that they live together and share children together.
The woman claimed that he is 'very violent' whenever he drinks or takes drugs.
She said that he has punched and kicked her in the past, and had made threats to damage their home.
"He has made some of these threats in front of our own children," she added.
The woman also said to the judge that he requested a lift up to the courthouse in the morning, and she agreed to give him one.
However, an argument broke out in the car, which allegedly led to him punching her in the face.
Judge Zaidan granted an interim barring order for the woman, until the case resumes on a later date for hearing.
When the man was brought back into the courthouse by gardaí, a contested bail application was heard.
Gardaí objected to bail because of the serious nature of the man’s alleged assault, and also out of concerns that he may interfere with the alleged injured party.
Tim Kennelly represented the accused in this case (File photograph).
"I have lost a lot of faith in these (protection and barring order) applications," he added.
Mr Kennelly also questioned how the woman had no injuries to her face: "My client is a big man, but there isn’t a mark on her face," he said.
In addition, Mr Kennelly said he felt that the interim barring order 'was more than enough' to act as a deterrent against his client.
After consideration, Judge Zaidan ultimately decided to refuse bail.
Explaining his decision, the judge told Mr Kennelly: "While there is only one allegation here, they do have children together... If I were to apply a bit of common sense, I think that him placing undue pressure and intimidation on her would be a realpossibility."
He added that he believed that the woman did not tell him any lies.
The judge remanded the man in custody until the case involving him and his wife continues 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.