Woman stresses to Kildare judge that her ex-husband needs help

A Naas District Court judge was told by a man’s ex-wife that he needs urgent rehabilitation.

The comments were made by the woman during an in-camera (in private) court session, which was heard on Thursday, January 11 last.

The man had appeared before the judge as part of a contested bail application, following the breach of a protection order taken out on him by his ex-wife, which was granted by the court last year.

A garda who was sworn in told the court that the man turned up to the woman’s home in Kildare.

The garda also said that he was later identified by CCTV.

Although defending solicitor David Powderly said that the woman was not home at the time, the garda replied: "Yes, but he did not know that she wasn’t there at the time."

Mr Powderly then asked the garda if they were aware that his client is homeless at present, and as such, has been finding it difficult to sign on at his local garda station.

In response, the garda said: "I can accept that, but he should have made gardaí aware of this."

When the woman took to the stand, she said that the man has an addiction to drugs, and fears for her safety, as well as the safety of her daughter.

"If he’s sober, he can come up to the home, but he needs treatment.

"I’m more concerned for my daughter’s safety, and what he has said to my daughter," she added (the exact comments he allegedly made to her daughter were not disclosed to the court).

The woman alleged that on a previous occasion, the man had 'rammed a jeep in front of her home' and proceeded to assault her, and also attempted to assault her daughter.

Mr Powderly pointed out one recent instance in which the man and woman met for coffee, to which the woman explained that she met with him to discuss his issues and she urged him to go to the gardaí, as he was not signing on at his local garda station as part of his conditions.

When the man took to the stand, he said that he would abide by any and all bail conditions. and also said that he would enter into rehab for his addiction issues.

He also said: "I don’t object to any of what (his ex-wife) has said today. I apologise, I am not proud of my behaviour."

Judge Zaidan said that while he had sympathy for the man, he added that the evidence against the man 'is overwhelming' and refused to grant bail.

The judge also pointed out that his wife wished for him to seek help, adding: "She didn’t come here for her pound of flesh, she said: 'He needs help.' Most of what she said here was actually in your favour."

The judge remanded the man in custody until the case resumes on a date next week.

He also ordered for the man to receive medical attention to address his addiction issues while he is in custody.

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 helpline@womensaid.ie, or Men's Aid by ringing 01 554 3811 or emailing hello@mensaid.ie.

Additionally, you can find resources to help you by emailing Samaritans Ireland at jo@samaritans.ie, or by ringing 116 123.

For further information relating to treating addiction, please visit https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/5/addiction/drugshivhelpline/.