‘Horrible’ alleged injuries shown to Kildare judge
IN-CAMERA
A Naas District Court judge was taken aback when he was shown photographs showing injuries a woman allegedly sustained at the hands of her ex-partner.
Judge Desmond Zaidan was shown the photographs by the woman's solicitor, Jacqueline McManus, during an in-camera (in private) court session heard on Thursday, February 22 last.
The woman appeared before the judge as part of a protection order application against her ex-partner.
It was heard that they no longer live together and have no children together.
The woman, with the assistance of Ms McManus, claimed that her ex-partner had assaulted her on four separate occasions over the last year, with the latest incident taking place on Valentine's Day just gone by.
She also said that he had previously told her a number of times that he would change his ways.
Judge Zaidan asked the woman if she felt sympathy towards him, she replied: "No... I did (in the past)."
Photographs of her alleged injuries, which were saved on her phone, were shown directly to Judge Zaidan, who remarked: “That's horrible.”
He said to the woman: "There is a pattern here; you are trying to hold onto something that doesn't need to be held onto, and he is taking advantage of that. But you are doing the right thing by coming in here today."
The judge also encouraged her to keep in close contact with her family, and also pointed her to a domestic violence service — "Don't be ashamed to talk to them," he said.
In addition, he told her: "In domestic violence cases... very few (perpetrators) mend their ways, and whenever he gets a new partner, they will be on the receiving end as well."
The judge granted an interim protection order for the woman until the case resumes on a date in May for hearing.
He also recommended for her to give a copy of the order to her local garda station.
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.