Safety order breached by man who stood in woman’s garden at 1am

A MAN was standing in the garden of a woman, who had taken out a safety order against him, in the early hours of the morning out of “curiosity”.

Inspector Barry Manton, prosecuting, said the defendant was standing in the rear garden of a woman’s house at 1.03am on a date before Christmas. The accused cannot be named to protect the identity of the victim.

“He had no lawful purpose to be there. A safety order was in force. His behaviour breached the safety order,” said Insp Manton.

A safety order is a full or long-term order, which directs the respondent to stop committing further violence or threats of violence. If the respondent is not living with the applicant, it directs them to stay away from, being near or watching the applicant’s home.

The in camera matter was heard before Judge Patricia Harney at Kilmallock Court.

Michael O’Donnell, solicitor for the defendant, said his client has been in prison for two weeks after bail was refused.

“It has been a sobering experience. He has lost out on work,” said Mr O’Donnell.

The solicitor said the man shouldn’t have been in the garden.

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“There was no damage. It was curiosity when he had nothing to be curious about,” said Mr O’Donnell.

Judge Harney asked: “At 1am in the morning?”

Mr O’Donnell said his client won’t be there again.

“Two weeks in prison taught him a lesson,” said Mr O’Donnell. Insp Manton informed Judge Harney that the victim wishes to make a victim impact statement.

The judge adjourned the case until later this month. The defendant was granted bail subject to a number of conditions including staying away from the injured party’s address.