Judge tells man in Kildare court he'll jail him if doesn't pay maintenance to partner

A man was warned by a district court judge that he must pay maintenance owed to his partner - or he will be sent to prison.

The man is paying maintenance of €65 per week and owes €2,015 up to June last

His partner alleged at a family law hearing at Naas District Court that a son has turned 18 but the payments had ceased to be made prior to that.

The woman alleged that the man had fallen out with one of the children who, she said, is suffering trauma because his dad has rejected him.

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Addressing the man, Judge Desond Zaidan said: “If you force me to, I will send you to jail.”

The judge also pointed out that the man can appeal the order covering the payments if he is unhappy.

The judge added that a supreme court decision meant that the man would have to stay in prison until the money is paid.

The man told the court that he also had to pay money for a school tour for his daughter.

The man said he "would have to “ appeal the case.