Woman commended in court case by Kildare judge for ‘not seeking revenge’ against ex-partner

A woman was praised by Judge Desmond Zaidan in Naas District Court on Thursday, March 16.

The woman was the injured party in an in-camera (in private) court case, during which it was heard that her ex-partner smashed up a room in their home during an argument.

The man pleaded guilty to the offence, while his defending solicitor told Judge Zaidan that his client had a problem with alcohol.

It was heard that the couple have three children together, and that they are now living separately.

She claimed that while he was a good father to their children, she admitted that she was 'terrified of him.'

The woman also said that he was abusive towards her, and accused her of engaging in extramarital affairs with multiple men.

"He is a very jealous man," she added.

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However, she told Judge Zaidan that she had no issue with him seeing the children — 'I just don’t want him in my home,' she said.

In addition, when the judge brought up the prospect of imposing a custodial sentence on the man, she said that she did not wish to see him imprisoned for the sake of their children.

After hearing this, Judge Zaidan commended her for her comments, saying: "You are a good person, in the strongest sense of the word."

Speaking to the man, he said: "You have this woman to thank for not sending you to prison", and added that jealousy 'had warped his mind.'

Judge Zaidan placed the man on a €500 peace bond for 12 months. 

One of the conditions of the bond was for the man to maintain sober habits.

The judge also gave the gardaí liberty to re-enter the case at short notice.

At the end of the trial, the man became visibly upset and apologised to the woman.