Gardaí in Kildare court describe crisis incident
IN-CAMERA
A tense incident was described in Naas District Court on Thursday, November 17.
Gardaí told Judge Desmond Zaidan that the man, who cannot be identified due to reporting restrictions, had threatened to kill his partner and then himself.
He later barricaded himself in his home, and it took gardaí hours to negotiate with him and calm him down.
The man's solicitor told the judge that his client and his partner have an 'on-and-off relationship.'
The solicitor also said that while it was heard that his client previously agreed to stay away from the house, his client and his partner are currently back together.
Judge Zaidan admitted to the solicitor that he had concerns about a repeat incident occurring, adding: "I see it here all the time."
In response, the solicitor said that while the judge's observation was 'logical', he said that his client was 'thinking with his heart.'
"I think it would be foolish (for him) to go back myself, but it his decision," the solicitor explained: "He is still in love with her."
When Judge Zaidan asked him if the partner was still in love with his client, the solicitor replied: “Erratically.”
It was eventually decided that the conditions of order against the man would remain in place, unless he could provide written or text proof that his partner said he could come into her home.
The solicitor also said that while his client still sees the children he has with his partner, he 'doesn't see them as often as he would like to.'
Judge Zaidan adjourned the case for hearing for a date in the new year.
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.