Defendant is ‘knocking on death’s door’ — Kildare judge

A female defendant who was due to appear in Naas District Court on Thursday, March 16, was described as 'knocking on death’s door.'

That’s according to Judge Desmond Zaidan, who made the comments during an in-camera (in private) court session regarding an alleged domestic violence case.

It was heard that the woman had breached a protection order against her mother by turning up to her home in an intoxicated state.

The woman allegedly demanded money from her when she arrived at her home.

She was also accused of shoplifting alcohol from a supermarket, and during the course of the alleged offence, she pushed a security guard who was working in the shop.

On a separate date, she was questioned by gardaí outside her home, and it was alleged that she became abusive towards them.

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Judge Desmond Zaidan told the woman’s defending barrister that he was familiar with her, and described her as 'a very troubled woman with significant alcohol and psychiatric issues.'

He added: "The last time I saw her, I told her that she looked like she was knocking on death’s door, and she said back to me: 'I know, Judge.'

After imposing the Probation Act on the woman, the judge said: "There is no punishment I can impose on her that she hasn’t already inflicted on herself."

Judge Zaidan also reiterated that the protection order remains in force for the woman’s mother, and said that if the mother has any immediate concerns, she can go to her local Garda station.