UPDATE: Sentence imposed over Kildare phone charger choking incident
VERDICT
A substitute judge sitting at Naas District Court on Thursday, July 18, decided the sentence for a man who admitted to choking his partner with a phone charger.
The man was initially being prosecuted for the assault on May 27 last, during an in-camera (in private court session).
Garda Gráinne Phelan told the court at the time that the pair had broken up and he went to where they used to live, and then to a neighbour's property where his partner had gone.
He tried to choke his ex-partner but she did not need medical attention.
On the latest date (Thursday, July 18 last), the man’s ex-partner gave evidence to Judge Nicola-Jane Andrews, who was also informed about the background to the incident.
It was heard that the man and the woman have children together.
The man was also present and was in garda custody during the court session, and it was heard that he admitted to the offence.
At one point, the man interjected when the woman made a separate claim about him, telling the court: "That’s lies."
He was reprimanded by Judge Andrews and warned to keep quiet for the rest of the court session.
Defending solicitor Tim Kennelly said that his client had previously struggled with addiction issues and had a troubled childhood, and had previously abused intoxicants to escape from the negativity in his life.
However, he insists that his time in custody has ‘given him time to reflect’ on his actions.
Mr Kennelly agreed that the evidence given during the court session by the injured party was 'quite harrowing', but reiterated his belief that his client’s time in custody had an effect on him.
Judge Andrews said that she noted the testimony given by the injured party, and imposed a four-month custodial sentence on the man.
She backdated it to when he first entered into custody, which was a date back in May, and suspended the final month for 12 months.
The judge also directed that the man must engage with addiction treatment services.
In addition, she agreed to fix recognisances at €1,000.
The man thanked the judge for her verdict, and also apologised to her for his earlier outburst in the court.
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.