Laois man who allegedly assaulted partner is given bail
x
A LAOIS man who allegedly assaulted his partner of 15 years was granted bail at Portlaoise Family Law Court this week.
The court was told that the 34-year-old allegedly assaulted his partner in their home in Portlaoise on 4 October by punching her in her eye, jaw and ribs and that gardaí caught and arrested him the same night about 100 metres from the house.
The woman refused to be taken to hospital by ambulance at the time, because she had three young children to mind, but did attend the following morning.
The court was told that no medical reports are available at present, but that it is possible that her jawbone might have been fractured or chipped.
Taking the stand the woman said that she had been in a relationship with the accused for 15-years and had three children.
She said the couple hadn’t been getting along for a while. On the night of the alleged assault, she had just gotten off the phone from talking to her mother when the accused allegedly hit her in the face.
She said: “I then tried to go into the kitchen, and he gave me a few more punches into the back. I was boxed, punched in the left eye. The ambulance came but I didn’t go with them because of the kids. I went to the hospital the next day.” The woman in reply to the man’s barrister Anne Doyle said: “I don’t mind if he gets bail. It’s not a thing that he’s doing all the time. It was a once-off. I’d be happy if he came back to live with us. One of our children’s 10th birthday is next week. I’m sure they would want him there at the party.” Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said that he would have some concern for the welfare of the woman and for the children if bail was granted,” to which the woman said: “I’d have no concerns.” She said: “We’ve been together 15 years and like all couples we’ve had our ups and downs. I’d have no child welfare concerns about my children. I got a protection order, and I don’t mind him coming home.
“I’m unsure of I will pursue my statement (complaint). I am not under duress, and we’ve had no contact since that night.” Judge Cody asked whether she has had any contact with the man’s family, to which she replied: “I’m happy to have him home, to where he belongs.” Judge Cody said: “Even though you claim you were boxed in the eye and punched in the back and ribs and have a possible broken bone?” Ms Doyle said if granted bail her client would be willing to live with his parents in another town.
Granting bail Judge Cody imposed the following conditions that the man signs on a the nearby garda station every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. He stays away from the woman’s house. Provides his mobile phone number to gardaí and be of sober habits.
He went on to remand the man on his own bail to 6 November.
Before the conclusion of the case Ms Doye asked Judge Cody could the condition that her client stays away from the family home be relaxed on his son’s birthday and enter the house?
Judge Cody replied: “No. But he can stay outside the house.”
