Portlaoise Court: Texted threatening messages to estranged partner
Portlaoise Courthouse
A MAN who texted his estranged partner calling her a “bitch” and “I’ll kill you both” is to be considered if he is a suitable candidate for community service.
The order was made at last week’s sitting of the family law court in Portlaoise when the 42-year-old pleaded guilty to breaching a safety order on 10 April.
The court heard that on 10 April at 12.30am, a woman presented at Portlaoise Garda Station, who informed gardaí that earlier that night her former partner had texted her two messages, the first calling her a bitch and the second threatening to kill both her and her son.
Garda Sgt JJ Kirby told Judge Susan Fay that the woman took the threats as being genuine and put both her and her son in fear.
Defending barrister Andrew Dunne said that his client: “Has had alcohol difficulties in the past and was highly intoxicated on the night.” He said following the incident, his client sought medical assistance from both the hospital and from his GP and “is very ashamed and remorseful for what he did. The relationship is now much better with his former partner.” Judge Fay remanded the man on continuing bail to 8 October and in the meantime instructed that he engage with the probation services to determine if he is suitable to take part in community service.
*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.
