Father and son get court order against wife
Athy Courthouse
A MAN called “scumbag” and “queer” by his abusive wife was granted an interim protection order until next April, when she can give her side at a full hearing.
He was joined in the application by his adult son at a family law hearing in Athy District Court.
“Why are you afraid of your wife?” asked Judge Desmond Zaidan.
“There’s a lot of abuse, physical and verbal, in the house. She’s called me a scumbag, a queer … I’m staying at my sister’s house,” the husband said.
The judge warned: “You and your wife will both have to attend court, because she hasn’t had the right to reply. She could come in and say it’s all a load of rubbish.”
The judge turned to the adult son and asked: “It’s your mum?”
“She’s physically threatening to me,” he replied.
“You’re not misbehaving? You’re not doing anything to warrant this?” the judge asked. “Does she drink?”
“No, but she does have mental health issues,” answered the son, before explaining that he has other siblings who are juveniles.
“Have you tried to get her help?” asked the judge.
“Many times,” said the son.
“She’s your mother, don’t give up,” said the judge, before setting the full hearing for 9 April.
