A man has been refused bail at Tallaght District Court after allegedly breaching a protection order by threatening to kill his former partner, her family and himself.
The man, who is in his 20s, appeared before Judge Patricia McNamara yesterday (Oct 2), charged with breaching a protection order which has been in place since July. The charges relate to alleged incidents on 30 September and 1 October last.
Garda Aaron Ryan told the court that the applicant had been shopping when the defendant approached her, shouted insults and made threats to kill her, her family and himself.
The complainant gave evidence that the pair had been in a relationship for only two months which ended after episodes of jealousy and alleged violence, including biting and pushing. She told the court she was scared the defendant would beat her again or attack her in the street, and that all she wants is to live in peace.
When defence solicitor Eddie O’Connor put it to the applicant that she worked as an escort, she replied: “I can do what I want”.
Judge Patricia McNamara asked whether that was relevant to the bail application, arguing a person’s occupation – whether an escort or a carpenter – has no bearing on whether they are at risk of threats.
Judge McNamara said the applicant’s occupation would not be a factor in her decision.
The defendant told the court that the pair were in contact almost daily, frequently exchanging texts, photos, videos and messages. He denied making the alleged threats and gave his account of the night in question, saying he had gone to bring food after finishing work: “I went to get her food – she said she wanted a pastry and soup”.
He said he had even “gone to the airport and picked her up” on another occasion.
When he arrived to meet her on the night in question, he said, she rebuffed him and swore at him after he arrived with the food she had requested, and Gardaí were present to arrest him.
He described a relationship in which the pair sometimes went clubbing together, telling the court: “we do everything together.” He told the court that he had bought gifts and sent money for her children, who live abroad. The defendant said he was “like her puppy” and complained the applicant was “messing up my life”.
He told the judge that he had pushed the complainant on one occasion but denied any more serious assaults, saying he would move out of the country if necessary to avoid further trouble.
Gardaí objected to bail under the O’Callaghan principles, saying there was a real risk the defendant would interfere with the complainant, given the concerns about his continued contact with her despite the protection order.
Mr O’Connor told the court that his client would comply with strict conditions if released.
Judge McNamara said she had heard evidence from both sides, noting the objections of gardai and the applicant’s account that she was in fear, as well as the ongoing contact between the parties since the protection order was made in July.
She concluded there was a real possibility that the defendant could interfere with the complainant if released and refused bail.
The defendant was remanded in custody to appear by video link at Cloverhill District Court on 7 October at 10am.
Legal aid was assigned.