Portlaoise Court: Barred husband 'just wanted clothes and a wash'
The case was heard at the family law court in Portlaoise. File photo
A WOMAN who had obtained an interim barring order against her husband returned to the family law court in Portlaoise, where she applied to have her complaint withdrawn.
At the outset of the case, Garda Sgt Hughes told Judge Andrew Cody that the injured party in the case was present in court and asked for her complaint to be withdrawn.
In an outline of the evidence, the court was told that on 28 April the interim barring order was granted.
However, two days later the 47-year-old defendant was seen around the family home, telling the injured party that he was there to collect clothes.
However, when gardaí arrived at the house, the defendant “jumped the fence and made off”.
The injured party took the stand and under oath told Judge Andrew Cody that her husband “came to the house to get a bag of clothes”.
She said: “He had been in the same clothes for the past few days.”
Judge Cody asked how the relationship between the couple is now and she replied: “Everything is grand. Everything is alright now. He just wanted clothes and to get a wash.”
The injured party said that gardaí had encouraged her to apply for the interim barring order for her own protection.
Judge Cody said that interim barring orders are granted to provide immediate, short-term protection when there is an immediate risk of violence or significant harm.
The woman said the issue had initially arisen after an argument between her husband and her son. She stated that her son had since moved out and was no longer living in the family home.
*Family law cases are held in private due to their sensitive nature. In such matters, reporting restrictions are put in place whereby no identifying details can be published.
