Man got angry when ex-wife had coffee with male colleague
Athy courthouse
A MAN apologised for calling his ex-wife “a fu*kin’ cheater” after he lost his temper with her for joining a colleague for a coffee, although only through his solicitor.
Because the woman had taken out a protection order in March this breach had to be heard before a judge, and this was done behind closed doors during the Family Law sessions at Athy District Court.
The injured party and her parents attended and the woman took the witness box to describe what occurred on 8 June last.
Defending solicitor Jackie McManus asked: “What had he done wrong?” “He found out I went for a coffee with a colleague, and when he found out he was male he got aggressive,” said the woman.
She said this had been witnessed by their two children.
“He drinks every night in the house, and I wasn’t happy with two children in the house,” she said.
“I often had to get up to clear cans in the morning. He threatened to get physical but was only verbal.
“I left the house and went to the guards because I was terrified. The older one asks questions about him getting verbal, she remembers that, and is now getting treatment from Tusla.”
Ms McManus said: “My client would like to apologise for calling you a ‘fu*cking cheater’. He shouldn’t have reacted the way he did, and he shouldn’t have read your diary.”
“That’s abusive behaviour,” commented Judge Desmond Zaidan.
The woman added: “it’s all because he’s drinking.”
“Is there any truth in what he says?” asked the judge.
“No, I just think he’s a bit old-fashioned,” she replied.
“How often do you drink?” the judge asked the man.
“Three or four cans a night,” he admitted.
“How much a week do you pay for alcohol?” the judge pressed.
“€40 a week,” the defendant admitted.
“Why don’t you spend that on your children? Bring them to Penney’s and let them loose,” suggested the judge.
The defendant asked: “After the protection order, we still lived together and so if I was so scary why was she still sleeping with me?”
"He’s trying to do damage limitation,” said his ex-wife.
“He hasn’t come to garda attention since,” Ms McManus reminded the court.
“How is he with the kids?” asked the judge.
“He adores them,” said the woman.
“He was actually in Naas District Court yesterday seeking greater access,” added Ms McManus.
“The protection order was extended yesterday until 25 May,” the injured party reminded the court.
“The (protection) order remains in place, but I’ll put him on a peace bond for 12 months,” ruled the judge.
“There’s no point me getting trigger-happy and sending him to jail. Your children need a father and they need a functioning father.
“Some day your children will be adults, and you wouldn’t like anyone to abuse them like this. The things she had to go through to give you those kids."
The defendant said: “I was told I couldn’t bring (the elder child) on hospital appointments, and I was told I couldn’t potty-train the (younger)."
“If you are seen drunk in public and brought before me, that’ll mean one year in jail,” warned the judge.
“And if you saved up your money maybe you could buy a ticket and watch Manchester United lose,” added the Liverpool-loving judge.
