Parent's love for their son praised by Kildare judge

A judge commended two parents for the love and mercy they showed to their son.

Judge Desmond Zaidan was presiding over an in-camera (in private) court session at Naas District Court on Thursday, September 21, when he sang the praises of the parents.

It was heard that they had taken out a domestic violence order against their son, who struggles with a drug addiction.

The court was also told that he had threatened to break his father’s jaw and that he would 'smash up the place.'

Defending solicitor Tim Kennelly told Judge Zaidan that his client was 'incredibly embarrassed over the incident.'

In response, Judge Zaidan said: "He is... until the next episode happens."

Mr Kennelly also told the judge that his parents do not wish to see him sent to prison, they just want to see him abstain from taking drugs.

"That's a parent's love for you," the judge said: "At the next Citizen's Assembly on drugs, they should talk to these parents and ask them would they endorse drugs for personal use."

The judge admitted that while he had concerns about the man's potential for re-offending, he took on board the parent's wishes and so he assigned a probation officer to assist the man.

The case will return for sentencing on a date in 2024.

Judge Zaidan also ordered for a probation report to be presented on this date.