A man who is accused of carrying out two attacks on his former partner – during which he is alleged to have bitten, strangled and head-butted her – has been refused bail after a judge said she had “grave concerns” for the safety of the alleged victim.
The 35-year-old man, who cannot be named to protect the identity of the injured party, is charged with two counts of assault causing harm. He appeared before Tallaght District Court yesterday, where Garda Sarah Cullinane objected to bail on grounds of the nature and seriousness of the alleged offences, including the potential for witness interference.
The court heard that the man is alleged to have bitten the woman on the forehead, strangled her, pulled her hair and smashed his forehead against her nose in separate incidents in April and July 2024. The woman sustained a broken nose and hospital records and photographs of her injuries were submitted as evidence.
Appearing in court, the injured party said a friend believed she had been “kidnapped” due to her sudden disappearance, and that she had returned to the relationship out of fear.
She told the court she delayed reporting the assaults because she was in a “controlling relationship” and only felt able to come forward after receiving support from counselling services and Women’s Aid.
Gardaí expressed serious concerns that, if released, the accused man would commit further offences, particularly given that he and his alleged victim share a child and have a volatile history.
Defence solicitor Michael Hennessey said his client denies the allegations. He submitted that the accused man has no history of bench warrants, is now in a new relationship with a woman who is pregnant and was willing to abide by strict bail conditions, including a curfew and stay-away order.
Judge Catherine Ghent said the facts of the case were of an extremely serious nature and that she had “grave concerns” for the safety of the alleged injured party.
She refused bail under Section 2 of the Bail Act and also cited O’Callaghan principles, noting the risk of further serious offences being committed.
The accused was remanded in custody to appear before Cloverhill District Court on May 13 at 10am.