Kildare Court: Siblings tell judge their dad is physically and emotionally abusive
The pair sought the protection of the court
Two siblings were granted a protection order against their dad.
The sought the order before Naas District Court and referred to their father only by his first name in written evidence in support of their claim
They claimed that the man has a history of physical abuse, verbal abuse and emotional abuse.
On one occasion the gardaí were contacted after he got violent.
They claimed that their father - who was not present in court to address the claims - hit them when they were children.
The court heard that on the occasion the gardaí were called the father was throwing things, making threats and blocking exits.
Judge Desmond Zaidan was told that their mother, who also lives there, has not applied for court protection.
The court heard that Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, had been contacted and had “sent two social workers” but no other action was deemed necessary.
One of the applications indicated that a lot of school time was missed because of mental health issues.
One of the siblings made an allegation of being grabbed by the clothing and being thrown to the floor.
Judge Zaidan observed that since both have reached the age of 18 the parents no longer have a duty of care and the siblings are not entitled to live at home.
“If you are not happy you can go and get your own place.”
He said that he would reluctantly grant an interim protection order but this does not mean it will be affirmed at a fuller court hearing.
He added that “strictly speaking” they did not meet the threshold for granting the order.
He said he had not heard the father's version of events.
He advised that the gardaí should not arrest the man unless there is good reason to do so.
The matter was adjourned to June 10.