Portlaoise Family Law Court: Man accused of grabbing wife by the hair
Portloaise Courthouse
A MAN who called his wife “a slutty, dirty tramp and a handicap” was remanded in custody when he appeared at the family law sitting of Portlaoise District Court last week.
The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was charged with breaching a safety order on 16 February and 25 March.
Garda David Nolan told the court that the man’s wife made a complaint in which she claimed that while she was with her children in a play area, her husband came over to the passenger side of her car and peered in the window at her. He then allegedly went to the driver’s side window that was partially down, put his hand in and grabbed her by her hair.
After she drove away to collect her children, she alleged that her husband got into the back seat of the car, but got out when she asked him to do so. While exiting the car, she alleged that he called her a slutty, dirty tramp and a handicap.
Defending solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said that her 31-year old client had been homeless for a while and had been staying with friends. She said that his housing situation has stabilised and that he was now living with his mother.
Judge Andrew Cody noted that the woman had made similar allegations against her husband before, but had come to court and had withdrawn them.
He said he was remanding the man in custody until 10 April and ordered gardaí to take a written statement from the alleged injured party, which is to be given to the man’s solicitor (Ms Fitzpatrick) within 24 hours.
Judge Cody went on to grant free legal aid to the man.
